Douglas Spencer was a popular American actor who appeared in many films and TV shows, especially in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. He is best known for his roles in The Thing from Another World, This Island Earth, and The Diary of Anne Frank. However, his life and career were cut short by a tragic death at the age of 50. What was the cause of his death and how did it affect his legacy? Here is the untold story of Douglas Spencer.
Early Life and Career
Douglas Spencer was born as William Henry Mesenkop on February 10, 1910, in Princeton, Illinois, USA. He was the son of William Lewis Messenkop and Grace Beerus. He started his career in the film industry as a stand-in and worked for many years for movie star Ray Milland. He also worked in production departments and as an extra in dozens of films.
He gradually got small roles and cameos in movies, often as a doctor or a reporter. Some of his early appearances include The Lost Weekend (1945), The Big Clock (1948), Monkey Business (1952), and Houdini (1953). He also appeared in the western classic Shane (1953) as Swede and in the thriller The Glass Wall (1953).
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Roles
Spencer gained fame and recognition for his roles in science fiction and fantasy themed movies. He played reporter Ned Scott in the horror classic The Thing from Another World (1951), in which he uttered the film’s final line: “Keep watching the skies!”. He also played the Monitor, an alien leader, in This Island Earth (1955), a film that was later featured in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie.
He also had a memorable role as a two-headed Martian in The Twilight Zone episode “Mr. Dingle, the Strong”, which aired a year after his death. He also appeared in other sci-fi and fantasy films such as Them! (1954), War of the Planets (1958), and Shortcut to Hell (1957).
Other Notable Roles
Spencer also had some notable roles in other genres of films. He played Mr. Kraler, a protector of Anne Frank, in the 1959 film The Diary of Anne Frank, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards. He also appeared in A Place in the Sun (1951), Father of the Bride (1950), Double Indemnity (1944), and The Three Faces of Eve (1957).
He also worked in some TV shows such as The Rifleman, Bonanza, The Rebel, and Tales of Wells Fargo. He had a total of 83 films and TV shows credits in his acting career.
Death and Legacy
Douglas Spencer died on October 6, 1960, at his residence in Los Angeles. According to EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki, he died of diabetes. According to ArticleBio, he died of a heart attack and diabetic condition. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery Princeton, Bureau County, Illinois.
Spencer left behind a legacy of memorable performances in sci-fi and fantasy films. He is remembered by fans and critics alike for his distinctive voice and expressive face. He is also honored by Svengoolie, a horror host who often features Spencer’s films on his show.
Douglas Spencer was a talented actor who made a mark in the film industry with his diverse roles. His cause of death was unfortunate and premature, but his work lives on through his films and TV shows. He was a true sci-fi legend who kept watching the skies until the end.
