Edward Andrews was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned five decades, encompassing a wide array of roles in film, television, and stage. Known for his portrayals of officious, sometimes bumbling authority figures, Andrews became a familiar face to audiences throughout the mid-20th century. While his role in the 1979 high-concept TV series Supertrain introduced him to a new generation of viewers, Andrews had already cemented his legacy as a prolific character actor in both comedy and drama.
Andrews’ unmistakable screen presence, characterized by his bespectacled appearance and ability to deliver both sternness and warmth, made him a versatile and reliable performer. He appeared in over 100 films and countless television series, and his contributions to Hollywood have left an enduring impact.
Early Life and Theater Beginnings
Edward Andrews was born on October 9, 1914, in Griffin, Georgia. From a young age, Andrews showed an interest in acting, performing in local theater productions and school plays. His passion for performance led him to pursue a formal education in the arts, and after attending college, he made his way to New York City to try his luck on Broadway.
Andrews’ early stage career blossomed during the 1930s and 1940s, as he became a regular performer in Broadway productions. His work on stage allowed him to hone his craft and develop the strong, distinct personality that would later serve him well in Hollywood. Some of his most notable early roles came in productions like The Late George Apley and Life with Father, which showcased his ability to bring out the subtle humor and human complexity in his characters.
During this period, Andrews developed a knack for playing authority figures—whether they were businessmen, judges, or corporate executives. His ability to balance comic timing with a sense of gravity made him stand out, even in supporting roles. As his stage career progressed, Andrews began making the transition to television and film.
Film Career: The Face of Authority
Edward Andrews made his film debut in the early 1950s, and over the next several decades, he became a familiar face on the silver screen. His filmography is extensive, with notable roles in a variety of genres, from comedy to drama to science fiction. One of Andrews’ strengths as an actor was his versatility—whether playing a corporate executive, a bureaucrat, or a befuddled father figure, he brought a level of depth and charm to every role.
Some of Andrews’ most memorable film roles came during the 1950s and 1960s, a period in which he became known for portraying figures of authority. In 1957, he appeared in the classic western The Hard Man, followed by a string of successful films, including Elmer Gantry (1960), where he portrayed a skeptical businessman, and Advise & Consent(1962), in which he played a congressman. His performances often had a sardonic quality, as Andrews could play both comic and menacing roles with equal skill.
In the 1962 drama The Absent-Minded Professor, a hit Disney film starring Fred MacMurray, Andrews played the role of a university trustee who tries to capitalize on the professor’s discovery of “flubber.” His character’s bumbling attempts to profit from the invention highlighted his comedic talents, and the film became one of Andrews’ best-known works.
Another significant role for Andrews came in the 1964 Stanley Kubrick classic The Fortune Cookie, where he portrayed a corporate executive in a satirical take on the world of insurance fraud. His knack for portraying men with questionable morals, but with a hint of vulnerability or humor, became a recurring theme in his career.
Television Success and Iconic Appearances
While Edward Andrews found considerable success in film, his television career was just as prolific. He became a frequent guest star on some of the most popular television shows of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. His ability to seamlessly shift between drama and comedy made him a sought-after actor in television.
One of Andrews’ most iconic television roles came in the long-running anthology series The Twilight Zone. In the 1962 episode “You Drive,” Andrews played Oliver Pope, a man haunted by a car he has used in a hit-and-run accident. His portrayal of guilt and paranoia in the episode demonstrated his ability to take on darker, more psychologically complex roles. The episode is considered a classic and remains one of Andrews’ most memorable television performances.
Andrews continued to appear in guest roles on shows like Perry Mason, The Andy Griffith Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, Bewitched, Green Acres, and The Rockford Files. His television work kept him consistently in the public eye, and he became known for his impeccable comedic timing and ability to bring a touch of gravitas to even the most lighthearted of roles.
Supertrain: A New Audience
In 1979, Edward Andrews joined the cast of the NBC series Supertrain, a high-concept show that centered around a nuclear-powered luxury train that traversed the United States. The show was an attempt to capitalize on the success of ensemble cast adventure series like The Love Boat, but with a futuristic twist. Andrews played Winfield Root, the train’s wealthy and somewhat overbearing owner. His character was meant to embody the corporate interests behind the creation of the Supertrain, and Andrews brought both charm and an air of authority to the role.
Although Supertrain was heavily promoted by NBC, it faced significant production challenges and high costs, leading to its early cancellation after only nine episodes. Despite the show’s lack of long-term success, Andrews’ performance was well-received, and his role as the eccentric and controlling Winfield Root was a highlight of the series.
For Andrews, Supertrain introduced him to a younger generation of viewers, particularly those who were drawn to the sci-fi and adventure genres that were becoming popular in the late 1970s. The role, while brief, added to Andrews’ already vast resume of distinguished television appearances.
Later Career and Legacy
Edward Andrews continued to work steadily into the 1980s, maintaining his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most dependable character actors. He appeared in films like Sixteen Candles (1984), where he played Molly Ringwald’s grandfather, a role that endeared him to a whole new generation of filmgoers. His portrayal of Howard Baker in Sixteen Candles was both humorous and heartwarming, highlighting his ability to capture the essence of family dynamics with authenticity.
Andrews’ final film appearance came in the 1985 comedy Gremlins, where he played the town’s corrupt businessman, Mr. Corben. Once again, Andrews brought his signature charm to the role, portraying a greedy, unsympathetic character in a way that made him unforgettable to audiences.
On March 8, 1985, Edward Andrews passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work that spanned five decades. His contribution to both television and film remains significant, as his portrayal of various authority figures, businessmen, and comedic roles helped define many of the eras’ most beloved productions.
Edward Andrews’ career is a testament to the power of the character actor—his ability to seamlessly blend into different genres and projects while leaving an indelible mark on each one is what made him such a memorable presence in Hollywood. From Supertrain to The Twilight Zone and beyond, Andrews will always be remembered for his incredible range, his work ethic, and his ability to make every role uniquely his own.