Twilight Zone's George Grizzard is Dead!

George Grizzard

April 1, 1928 - October 2, 2007

RIP

Okay, so most people today will know him from TV's LAW AND ORDER, and he was also an accomplished Broadway and film actor, but I'll always remember him for his performances in two classic TWILIGHT ZONE episodes.

In the first season's comic episode, "The Chaser," Grizzard portrays a lovesick man who resorts to a professor's potion to win the object of his affection and then karma kicks his ass. Grizzard's character knows no shame in his pursuit and we wind up feeling ashamed for him. We feel her pain for having to put up with him. When the dynamics change, we feel sorry and happy for both of them.
The fourth season episodes were one hour shows, instead of the former 30 minutes. The first of them, "In His Image," was a dramatic episode with elements of science fiction, mystery and horror. In a dual role, Grizzard plays both scientist and his robotic invention. Once again, karma is not too kind, but there is salvation.

Grizzard's credits are those of a master craftsman. Like some of his characters, George always acted with authority, thrusting his character's naked reality into every scene. His presence on LAW AND ORDER seemed natural, like he himself had been woven out of the fabric of the show.

But imagine having seen him as the original "Nick" in the 1962 original production of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF on Broadway. I would've settled to see him play "Big Daddy" in the 2004 production of CAT ON A HOT TIN WOLF at the Kennedy Center.

Rest in peace, George.

You were the crazy southern uncle I never had.

At the right age, you might've made a good Poe, on stage or screen.

George Grizzard - wiki

George Grizzard - imdb

George Grizzard - ibdb

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