Fred Stromsoe was an American actor and assistant director who appeared in several television shows and movies, most notably as Officer Jerry Woods in the police drama Adam-12. He also had roles in What’s Up, Doc?, The Lucy Show, Dallas, and Petrocelli. He was born on June 15, 1930, in Denver, Colorado, and died on September 30, 1994, in Los Angeles, California. But what was the cause of his death and how did he live his life? Here is a brief overview of his biography and career.
Early Life and Career
Fred Stromsoe started his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various westerns and crime dramas. He worked with some of the famous actors and directors of the time, such as John Wayne, James Stewart, Alfred Hitchcock, and Jack Webb. He also served as an assistant director for several films and TV shows, including The Slime People, The Fugitive, and Dragnet.
According to IMDb, one of his first roles was in the 1956 film The Searchers, where he played a cavalryman. He also had a small part in the 1966 film Batman, where he played a henchman who was killed by a spring-bomb trap. He was a frequent guest star on many popular shows, such as Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, Bonanza, and The Andy Griffith Show.
Adam-12 and Other Roles
Fred Stromsoe’s most memorable role was as Officer Jerry Woods on Adam-12, a realistic police drama that followed the lives of two LAPD officers, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed. Stromsoe joined the cast in the third season and appeared in 39 episodes until the show’s end in 1975. He played a friendly and competent patrol officer who often assisted Malloy and Reed in their cases. He also had a recurring role as Alex, the garage owner, on Dallas from 1990 to 1991.
According to Facts Verse, Stromsoe also starred in the 1972 comedy What’s Up, Doc?, where he played Ed, a hotel detective who was constantly outwitted by the main characters. He also had a role in the 1963 sci-fi horror film The Slime People, where he played a pilot who helped fight against the titular creatures. He also appeared in several episodes of The Lucy Show, where he played various characters, such as a policeman, a waiter, and a doctor.
Death and Legacy
Fred Stromsoe died at the age of 64 on September 30, 1994, in Los Angeles. While the exact cause of his death is not known, it is speculated that he had succumbed to cancer. He was survived by his wife, Nancy Berry, whom he married in 1961. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
Fred Stromsoe left behind a legacy of being a versatile and reliable actor who could play both serious and comedic roles. He was also a respected assistant director who worked behind the scenes of many productions. He was part of the golden age of television and contributed to the entertainment industry for over four decades. He will always be remembered by his fans and colleagues as a talented and professional performer.
