Stuart Whitman

Stuart Maxwell Whitman (February 1, 1928 – March 16, 2020) was an American actor whose career spanned six decades, beginning with uncredited bit parts in early 1950s science‑fiction classics such as When Worlds Collide and The Day the Earth Stood Still before evolving into a leading man on both the silver screen and television. Born in San Francisco, California, Whitman grew up in New York and Los Angeles, served three years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and after discharge used the G.I. Bill to study drama while also working as a lightweight boxer and a bulldozer operator to fund his education. A talent scout discovered him at Los Angeles City College, and by 1957 he earned his first starring role in Johnny Trouble, which led to a contract with 20th Century Fox’s star‑building program. The late 1950s and early 1960s saw Whitman headline a string of successful films—including Darby's Rangers, Ten North Frederick, The Decks Ran Red, Hound‑Dog Man, and the critically acclaimed The Mark, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also appeared in epic ensemble pictures like The Longest Day and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, cementing his reputation as a versatile leading man. Parallel to his film work, Whitman cultivated an extensive television résumé, guest‑starring on series such as Highway Patrol, Have Gun – Will Travel, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and later portraying Jonathan Kent on Superboy from 1988 to 1992. Beyond acting, he was a successful real‑estate developer, building thousands of acres of housing in Southern California, which afforded him financial independence and the ability to selectively pursue roles. Whitman married three times—first to Patricia LaLonde, then to Caroline Boubis, and finally to Julia Paradiz—and was the father of five children. He died of skin cancer at his Montecito home in 2020, leaving a legacy of rugged charisma, disciplined work ethic, and a body of work that reflects the evolution of mid‑century American cinema and television.