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Frank Sutton ( October 23 , 1923 - June 28 , 1974 ) was an American actor who is best remembered for his role as the loud, hard-nosed drill sergeant Vince Carter on the CBS Television series '' Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. '' Sutton was born in Clarksville, Tennessee in 1923. When he was eight years old, his father took a position as a linotype operator at the '' Nashville Tennessean '' in Nashville . While growing up in Nashville, he developed an interest in acting, earning his first role in at the age of nine. He later commented, "The first time I walked out on a stage, I had a warm feeling. I knew then I wanted to be an actor." However, the joy of learning his new craft was diminished during this time by the death of his father. After Sutton graduated from East Nashville High School, he returned to Clarksville to become a radio disk jockey, then enlisted in the United States Army during World War II , and after basic training at Camp Pendleton in California , was sent to the South Pacific, taking part in 14 assault landings. Upon his release from the service, he made his professional debut in a Pennsylvania stock company production of "The Barretts of Wimpole Street in 1947 . He then attended Columbia University , where he earned a bachelor's degree in drama in 1952, marrying Toby Igler in 1949 . Throughout the next decade, he played small roles in such television shows as '' Gunsmoke '' and '' The Untouchables '', often playing characters much older. In 1955 , he received his big break in the Academy Award-winning movie Marty , playing the role of the title character's best friend, Ralph. After returning to the stage in "The Andersonville Trial" in the early 1960s, Sutton then achieved lasting recognition when he landed the role of Sergeant Carter on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show entitled "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." This episode led to a Spin-off television series, where Sutton continued the role for four seasons, until the show was cancelled in 1968 . During the run of the show, he was made an honorary sergeant by the U.S. Marine Corps in recognition of his entertainment performances at camps, hospitals and bases. His friendship with co-star Jim Nabors continued when Nabors hosted a variety of series beginning in 1969 , and lasted well into the 1970s . After ''Gomer Pyle'', Sutton went on to perform in Dinner Theater and made guest appearances on other television programs. While preparing for a performance of the comedy "Luv" at the Beverly Barn Dinner Playhouse in Shreveport, Louisiana , he died of a Heart Attack . Sutton was buried in his hometown of Clarksville. EXTERNAL LINK |
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