Richard X. Slattery
Encyclopedia
Richard Xavier Slattery (June 26, 1925 – January 27, 1997) was a long-time character actor in film and television.
Slattery was distinguished by a square-jawed look and a rough, gravelly voice that made him ideal as a "tough guy" character, usually as a cowboy or a cop or a drill sergeant type. He had been an NYPD
police officer for twelve years (1948–1960) and started his acting career in police academy training films, and in community theater in the Bronx.
During the 1970s he was featured in many TV commercials for Union 76
Gasoline, playing a grandfatherly service station owner named Murph. He had featured roles in three series: "The Gallant Men
" (as 1st Sgt. John McKenna), "Mister Roberts
" (as Captain John Morton), and "CPO Sharkey" (as Captain "Buck" Buckner). Richard also appeared on stage with Henry Fonda in the early 1970s.
One of his funniest guest appearances was on The Odd Couple
. In the episode "The Fight of the Felix", Slattery plays a hockey player named Splint McCullough.
His son, Kevin Slattery, has been an executive producer of TV shows such as Just Shoot Me.
Slattery was distinguished by a square-jawed look and a rough, gravelly voice that made him ideal as a "tough guy" character, usually as a cowboy or a cop or a drill sergeant type. He had been an NYPD
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
police officer for twelve years (1948–1960) and started his acting career in police academy training films, and in community theater in the Bronx.
During the 1970s he was featured in many TV commercials for Union 76
Union 76
76 is a chain of gas stations located within the United States. The 76 brand is owned by ConocoPhillips. Union Oil Company of California, dba Unocal, the original owner and creator of the Union 76 brand merged with Chevron Corporation in 2005.In 1997, Unocal sold its western United States refining...
Gasoline, playing a grandfatherly service station owner named Murph. He had featured roles in three series: "The Gallant Men
The Gallant Men
The Gallant Men is a 1962-1963 ABC television series which depicted an infantry company of American soldiers fighting their way through Italy in World War II.-Description:...
" (as 1st Sgt. John McKenna), "Mister Roberts
Mister Roberts (TV series)
Mister Roberts is an American sitcom that aired on NBC from September 17, 1965 to April 8, 1966. Based on the best selling novel, 1948 play, and the 1955 film of the same name, the series starred Roger Smith in the title role.-Synopsis:...
" (as Captain John Morton), and "CPO Sharkey" (as Captain "Buck" Buckner). Richard also appeared on stage with Henry Fonda in the early 1970s.
One of his funniest guest appearances was on The Odd Couple
The Odd Couple (TV series)
The Odd Couple is a television situation comedy broadcast from September 24, 1970 to July 4, 1975 on ABC. It starred Tony Randall as Felix Unger and Jack Klugman as Oscar Madison. It was based upon the play of the same name, which was written by Neil Simon.Felix and Oscar are two divorced men....
. In the episode "The Fight of the Felix", Slattery plays a hockey player named Splint McCullough.
His son, Kevin Slattery, has been an executive producer of TV shows such as Just Shoot Me.