John Forsythe, born Jacob Lincoln Freund on January 29, 1918, in Penns Grove, New Jersey, was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned over six decades. Known for his smooth, commanding voice and charismatic on-screen presence, Forsythe became a household name with his work on the hit television series Dynasty and Charlie’s Angels. His role as Blake Carrington in Dynasty solidified him as one of the great stars of 1980s prime-time television, while his voice work as the unseen Charlie in Charlie’s Angels created an air of mystery and intrigue that captivated viewers worldwide. Beyond these iconic roles, Forsythe had a successful career in film, television, and theater, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration.
Early Life and Path to Acting
John Forsythe was born to Blanche Materson and Samuel Jeremiah Freund, a Wall Street businessman. The Freund family later changed their surname to Forsythe to make it sound more American, reflecting their desire to integrate into mainstream society. Forsythe grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his family moved when he was a young boy. As a child, Forsythe was more interested in sports than acting, but that would change when he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
While at university, Forsythe initially studied law, following his father’s wishes, but he soon found himself drawn to acting. He began participating in local theater productions, discovering a passion for the stage that would set the course for his future career. After graduating, Forsythe moved back to New York and decided to pursue acting professionally, despite the initial resistance from his father.
Forsythe’s first steps in show business came in the form of small theater roles and radio performances. His smooth, rich voice made him a natural fit for radio, where he found early success. In the 1940s, Forsythe served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, where he worked with the Air Corps’ motion picture unit, creating training films. This experience further deepened his love for the performing arts and introduced him to the behind-the-scenes world of film production.
Early Film and Television Career
John Forsythe’s career took off after World War II, as he began landing roles in both film and television. His first credited film role was in Destination Tokyo (1943), a wartime drama starring Cary Grant. Forsythe’s early film work included a variety of supporting roles in films such as The Captive City (1952) and It Happens Every Thursday (1953). However, his big break came in 1955 when he was cast in Alfred Hitchcock’s dark comedy The Trouble with Harry.
In The Trouble with Harry, Forsythe played Sam Marlowe, a young artist caught up in a small-town mystery surrounding a dead body. Though the film was not a box office success at the time of its release, it later gained a cult following, and Forsythe’s performance was praised for its subtle charm and comedic timing. Working with Hitchcock marked a turning point in Forsythe’s career, showcasing his ability to balance drama with lighthearted humor.
Forsythe also found success on television during the 1950s, with appearances on popular anthology series like Studio One, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The United States Steel Hour. His work on television earned him recognition as a versatile actor, capable of transitioning between serious drama and more comedic roles. These early television appearances helped Forsythe establish himself as a reliable and skilled performer, leading to more substantial opportunities in the years ahead.
Breakthrough Role in Bachelor Father
In 1957, John Forsythe landed his first major television role as Bentley Gregg in Bachelor Father, a sitcom that ran for five seasons. Forsythe starred as a successful attorney who suddenly finds himself raising his teenage niece, Kelly, after her parents die in an accident. Bachelor Father was a lighthearted comedy that showcased Forsythe’s charming, paternal demeanor, and it helped solidify his reputation as a leading man on television.
Forsythe’s portrayal of Bentley Gregg was warm, witty, and likable, making him a favorite with viewers. The role highlighted his ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments, creating a character that was both relatable and aspirational. Bachelor Father enjoyed a successful run from 1957 to 1962, and Forsythe’s performance as a suave, caring bachelor helped make the show a classic of its era.
The success of Bachelor Father elevated Forsythe’s status in Hollywood, and he became a sought-after actor for both television and film projects. However, it was his later roles in the 1970s and 1980s that would cement his legacy as one of television’s greatest stars.
Charlie’s Angels and the Voice of Charlie
In 1976, John Forsythe was cast in one of his most iconic roles—though his face was never seen. Forsythe became the voice of Charlie Townsend, the mysterious boss of the three glamorous detectives in Charlie’s Angels. Created by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts, and produced by Aaron Spelling, the show followed three women (Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson) working as private investigators for the elusive Charlie, who communicated with them via speakerphone but was never seen on-screen.
Forsythe’s smooth, authoritative voice gave Charlie a sense of sophistication and mystery, adding to the show’s allure. His delivery was calm and composed, yet full of warmth, which endeared him to viewers. Despite never appearing on camera, Forsythe’s voice became synonymous with the show, and he remained the voice of Charlie throughout the series’ five-year run from 1976 to 1981.
Forsythe’s involvement in Charlie’s Angels helped solidify the show’s status as a cultural phenomenon, and his work as Charlie became one of the most iconic aspects of the series. Even after the show ended, Forsythe returned to voice Charlie in later Charlie’s Angels projects, including the 2000 and 2003 film adaptations.
Dynasty and the Role of Blake Carrington
While Forsythe was already well-known for his work on Bachelor Father and Charlie’s Angels, it was his role as oil tycoon Blake Carrington on Dynasty that made him an international superstar. Premiering in 1981, Dynasty was Aaron Spelling’s answer to the success of CBS’s Dallas. Set in the world of high-stakes business and family intrigue, Dynastyfollowed the Carrington family, with Forsythe’s character, Blake, at the center of the drama.
Blake Carrington was a complex character—a ruthless businessman with a controlling streak, but also a loving father and husband. Forsythe brought depth and charisma to the role, making Blake both formidable and sympathetic. His dynamic with co-stars Joan Collins (as his ex-wife, Alexis) and Linda Evans (as his second wife, Krystle) became one of the defining elements of the series. Forsythe’s portrayal of Blake earned him critical acclaim, as well as two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama.
Dynasty became one of the most popular shows of the 1980s, known for its lavish production, over-the-top storylines, and glamorous characters. Forsythe’s presence anchored the show, and his portrayal of Blake Carrington became one of the most iconic roles of the decade. He remained with the series until it ended in 1989, and he reprised his role in the 1991 television miniseries Dynasty: The Reunion.
Later Career and Legacy
After Dynasty ended, John Forsythe continued to work in television and film, making guest appearances on shows like The Powers That Be and lending his voice to various projects. He remained active in the entertainment industry well into the 1990s, though he began to slow down as he aged.
Forsythe’s contributions to television were widely recognized throughout his career. He received several awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, and his work on Dynasty and Charlie’s Angels remains a significant part of television history.
Beyond his acting career, Forsythe was known for his philanthropy and commitment to charitable causes. He was a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society and raised awareness for cancer research after his wife, Julie Warren, died of cancer in 1994.
John Forsythe passed away on April 1, 2010, at the age of 92. His legacy as a television icon, particularly for his roles in Charlie’s Angels and Dynasty, continues to be celebrated. Forsythe’s ability to captivate audiences with his commanding voice, charming presence, and versatile acting made him one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. His contributions to television and film have left an enduring mark, and his performances remain timeless classics in the annals of entertainment history.