Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
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Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
RIP. Used to love F-Troop.
#2
DVD Talk God
Ken Berry, Mama's Family, dead at age 85
https://deadline.com/2018/12/ken-ber...ry-1202512430/
Ken Berry, who is best known for his roles in the classic TV shows Mama’s Family and F-Troop, died Saturday. He was 85.
Berry’s ex-wife Jackie Joseph-Lawrence announced the news of his death on Facebook saying, “With very deep sorrow, I must inform friends of Ken Berry that he died a short time ago.” No further details about his death were given.
Born in Illinois November 3, 1933, Berry showed an interest in singing and dancing at a young age. When he was 15 years old, he toured with a tap dancing ensemble. After high school, he went on to join the army where he served under pre-Star Trek Sergeant Leonard Nimoy. He would continue to perform in talent contests and a competition to appear on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town where he placed third and appeared on television.
Berry is known for role as Vinton in classic TV shows such as Vicki Lawrence’s Mama’s Family, which ran for two seasons. He also starred as Sam Jones in The Andy Griffith Show spinoff Mayberry R.F.D. But it was his role as Captain Parmenter in ABC’s F Troop that was his claim to fame. The show only aired two seasons from 1965-1967.
He was a member of The Billy Barnes Review performance ensemble and was part of Lucille Ball’s talent development program at Desilu. He was also a guest star on The Lucy Show. Hos other credits include. The Bob Newhart Show, The Julie Andrews Hour, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Donny & Marie Show, Love Boat, Fantasy Island, CHiPs,The Golden Girls, and several Mitzi Gaynor specials. On the big screen, he starred in Disney pics Herbie Rides Again and The Cat From Outer Space.
Berry’s ex-wife Jackie Joseph-Lawrence announced the news of his death on Facebook saying, “With very deep sorrow, I must inform friends of Ken Berry that he died a short time ago.” No further details about his death were given.
Born in Illinois November 3, 1933, Berry showed an interest in singing and dancing at a young age. When he was 15 years old, he toured with a tap dancing ensemble. After high school, he went on to join the army where he served under pre-Star Trek Sergeant Leonard Nimoy. He would continue to perform in talent contests and a competition to appear on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town where he placed third and appeared on television.
Berry is known for role as Vinton in classic TV shows such as Vicki Lawrence’s Mama’s Family, which ran for two seasons. He also starred as Sam Jones in The Andy Griffith Show spinoff Mayberry R.F.D. But it was his role as Captain Parmenter in ABC’s F Troop that was his claim to fame. The show only aired two seasons from 1965-1967.
He was a member of The Billy Barnes Review performance ensemble and was part of Lucille Ball’s talent development program at Desilu. He was also a guest star on The Lucy Show. Hos other credits include. The Bob Newhart Show, The Julie Andrews Hour, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Donny & Marie Show, Love Boat, Fantasy Island, CHiPs,The Golden Girls, and several Mitzi Gaynor specials. On the big screen, he starred in Disney pics Herbie Rides Again and The Cat From Outer Space.
#6
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
Blandly handsome comic actor who also sang and danced. Sort of a Dick Van Dyke Lite.
Never a big TV star, but he managed a solid career overall. Retired for the last 25-30 years.
Never came off as anything but a good guy. Hope he had a happy life.
Never a big TV star, but he managed a solid career overall. Retired for the last 25-30 years.
Never came off as anything but a good guy. Hope he had a happy life.
#7
Senior Member
#8
#9
DVD Talk Gold Edition
#10
DVD Talk Legend
#13
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
My sister and I watched the Mama's Family syndicated reruns during the late 90s and absolutely loved it.
#16
DVD Talk God
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
Vicki Lawrence is 16 years younger than Ken Berry. She was in her late 30's when she played "Mama" She was wearing a wig and played much older than her age.
#18
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
I think my favorite role for Berry was Sam on TAGS and Mayberry RFD. I wish there was a station that showed Mayberry RFD. I haven't seen the show air anywhere since I was a kid. Does anyone know if it's on DVD?
#19
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
#20
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
The wikipedia writeup on his life is pretty interesting:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Berry
RIP Capt. Parmenter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Berry
RIP Capt. Parmenter
#22
Admin
Re: Ken Berry (F-Troop, Mamas Family) Dead at 85
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