Ted Bessell - A Career Tragically Cut Short
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- Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
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Ted Bessell is best known for playing Donald Hollinger in NBC's That Girl. As a child, Bessell wanted to pursue a career as a classical musician, but once he entered college, he realized that he wanted to be an actor.
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• All Videos Facts Verse
He started studying with some of the greatest teachers of his generation and was cast into a number of off-Broadway stage plays. It was around this time that he also landed a job aa a page boy for ABC> that was the foot-in-the-door that he needed to weasel his way onto the television screen.
He had a number of small roles and bit parts before finding a recurring role in Gomer Pyle USMC. It was after landing that role that he was cast in That Girl as Marlo Thomas's love interest and fiance. That proved to be the biggest role of his career, but after it wrapped up in 1971, Bessell decided to focus more of his efforts on directing.
In 1996, while he was working on a film adaptation of Bewitched, Bessell suddenly passed away after suffering an aortic aneurysm. He was only 61 when he passed and he still had high hopes of containing his career in show business as a director. It's unclear how far he could have gone if his life hadn't been snuffed out so soon.
Ted Bessel - A Career Tragically Cut Short
Ted Bessel was one of the best actors on television. This video is a long-overdue tribute to this unsung guy who could play comedy and drama with equal ease.
He was great in That GIrl... The Part was Perfect for him. No telling how much more he could have done.. RIP TED!
Yes he was, Sylvia!
Gone way too soon. I watched That Girl as a young person and got so much joy from that show. Marlo Thomas and Ted Bessel were perfect for each other.
He was THAT Boyfriend ❤️. A role model of the era that sadly faded with time. Still watch in ROKU and mainly skip to ones with more Donald. Ann’s father would always distrust his good intentions. Poor Donald, but he handled it with humor. Some affectionate scenes were so touching and charmed with sincere love in carefully written dialogue. Awe inspiring❤️
We agree, Shasta!
It was hard not to Love Ted Bessel. I always enjoyed his acting. RIP Ted
It really wasn't. What was your fvaorite Ted Bessell show, Moe?
@@FactsVerse So very, very true. Thank-you for sharing!
@@FactsVerse he essentially played the same character a few yrs later on MTM tho with mary he was allowed to be deeper
Ted Bessell’s comic & dramatic talents were also matched by his gift for directing. No doubt he would have expanded his career in numerous directions had he not, sadly, have died unexpectedly. I had the pleasure of teaching his daughter Mary when she was in my 8th Grade English class. She was clever, expressive, creative & funny: much like her beloved dad. The 1st assignment she completed was a 1 page autobiography.
Imagine my surprise & awe to learn she had played piano at Carnegie Hall, the year before!
I soon cast Mary into our upcoming class play, “The Ms. Prefix Beauty Pageant.”
When I finally met Mary’s mother, an artist, she also surprised me- by clarifying that it had been Ted, not Mary, who had played piano at Carnegie Hall, at a mere 12 years of age! As I said,
Mary was creative. 🎹😄
Ted Bessel was also a piano protege at a very young age. It's noted that he also played at Carnegie Hall
Thank you for posting this. I've loved Ted Bessell ever since "That Girl" and then as Mary Tyler Moore's final boyfriend in her series. His charm, intelligence and wit always came through and was so endearing. He left us too soon. I believe he would have continued with many successes if he lived because he was multi-talented.
I loved "That Girl." Ted Bessell was such a cute love interest. I always looked forward to seeing that funny, and always wonderful, series. Funny, cute, and very warm. So sorry he died as young as he did. Many of us teenagers always put ourselves in the part of Anne Marie - since WE thought that Ted Bessell was the in all and end all for us. Oh, how we loved him and wanted him for ourselves. Broke my heart when he died.
He was the IT GUY of the game Mystery Date, lol!!
He was THAT BOYFRIEND to me. ❤️ a roll model of the times that sadly faded in film since.
Ted was awesome and missed. He would have been another great Director. RIP TED 💜🙏💜🥰
He'll be missed. What's your favorite Ted Bessell show, Debbie?
@@FactsVerse Sorry to jump in here unannounced, lol... I loved That Girl and him in it. So thrilling to see so many others also appreciated "That Guy!" And a treat to find someone has done a tribute to Ted on here! (My personal fave was the Las Vegas episodes of That Girl with Jack Cassidy!)
Very well done! As a youngster in the 60s I loved the show That Girl. I had no idea about Ted's background nor his early demise.
@Tom Jones: we viewers need to ask ourselves how thoroughly were these "facts" checked, and claims vetted.
Yes, he would have gone on with all the talent he had. Loved all his performances. RIP to this prodigy.
A grand life taken way too soon. Miss seeing him. Adorable on That Girl! Perfect couple.
He was a talent and a gentleman.
RIP..dear Ted..you gave us much happiness..and good times..😥💝🎈
It should be noted that beloved Ted was a noble, Christian man with a deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That Love from his Lord shown through!
And, I love Marlo Thomas, too. A champion for GLBTQ rights! God Bless her!
@@MichaelGunner123 ,
Did not know that! ❤️
So glad to know that believers will see him again on day. I always refer to him as "the best boyfriend on tv"!
@@MichaelGunner123 And her father Danny Thomas, co-founded of "St. Jude Children's Hospital" which she's always been actively involved in.
I’m still watching
That Girl
RIP Ted♥️🌟💕
Ted had the ability as an actor to really make people laugh. His interactions with Anne's father "Lou Marie" was hilarious. I still watch reruns of That Girl today, my favorite show 😁
Me too. Love it ❤
Ted Bessell was a fine comedic actor as evidenced in "That Girl". The show was a charming romp into the life and culture of the times, and Ms. Thomas and he had terrific rapport. I never saw him in any role outside of Don Hollanger, though I think he must've been able to portray other interesting characters, he had the chops. God called him home, and may God bless his remaining family and friends.
Ted was a fantastic actor, I enjoyed his work. You are missed, wonderful man! 😢
What's your favorite memory of him, Joan?
Such a loss, Mr. Bessell had spectacular talent and charm, and was so handsome. So many girls dreamed of having Donald Hollinger as a boyfriend including me. Ted Bessell was able to display his talent as a pianist on a few episodes of "That Girl" because he really was a piano prodigy. I also recall reading that at one point in his life Mr. Bessell considered being a priest. Yes, if he had lived he would have achieved so much more in life; directing and producing movies, doing a reunion "That Girl" show with Marlo Thomas, perhaps being a concert pianist, his talents were endless. The chemistry between Ann Marie and Ted Bessell was amazing and they remained dear friends until his passing. I wish I would have had the privilege of meeting Ted Bessell in person. On a happy note, my voice teacher in New York City had a sister who appeared in a few episodes of "That Girl" and she said Ted Bessell was much like Donald Hollinger off screen. What an extraordinary man he was. RIP, superstar Ted Bessell.
I'm sorry he's gone. I remember watching "That Girl" when i was little.
So did I, it was a pleasant show.
Me too. As a little kid, I liked how the beginning of the show always worked in a way to use the phrase, "That Girl!"
I watched That Girl when it first started. I loved it so imagine my surprise when I recently found the show on Roko. I loved it then and I am watching every episode now.. I love Ted Bessell. He and Marlo were a great couple. I loved him then and he lives on now on UA-cam.
I watched this series as 6-9 year old girl. I loved her !! She was everything I wanted to be - having fun, super cute, adventurous and independent. It was a great show that made a BIG impression on me in the early 70's.
I am 67. I noticed that Ted was musically inclined in a couple of episodes of THAT GIRL. Lucky Ted to have played opposite Danny's Daughter. She is beautiful.😘
One of my favorite and one of the funniest was Donald dressed as a woman trying to catch the mugger who stole Ann's purse in Central Park.
Best was Ann's father's reaction.
Post the youtube link! I want to see that.
My favorite is yours and also the one(s) when they went to Vegas and they pulled a double con, involving Jack Cassidy!
@@sherriebrand1771 Lol! 😊💗
In that episode he actually says: "Well I'll be dammed." Swearing was taboo at the time. The only swear word spoken in the entire series!
Just loved “that girl” I thought Donald was so handsome and would just gaze at him when the show would come on .
Always loved everything Ted was in!!! That Girl was a favorite of mine!!!
My sister and I used to watch this program when we were kids. We loved it so much. Our mother even bought us paper dolls of Marlo Thomas. They don’t make shows like these anymore. He was a great actor and would have loved to see him in other projects.
Gomer Pyle , thanks Ted for the wonderful memories 💝
He'll be missed, Bobby
I loved Ted Bessel what a great actor, he could have been acting forever if he lived
I love That Girl! I was too young to watch it at the time it first aired but am enjoying it immensely now! I so enjoyed Ted's character on the show and felt he paired wonderfully with Marlo Thomas! I definitely think he would have gone on to do tremendous things in the world of acting/producing.
He Was Great Man He Will Be Missed I Liked Him Sad He Is Gone May He RIP TED Bessell. -!- 💐
Ted Bessel was easy to Love!
He would have definitely been a leader in the industry for sure! He was great in all he did!
not only was Ted good looking but a talented actor as well ! sad that he passed away ! thanks
He'll be missed. What's your favorite Ted Bessell show, Dawn?
Ted was so very talented. He and Marlo had such chemistry on That Girl. I'm glad there was no reunion show because they would have had the two of them broken up and being such a fan of the show as a young girl that would have broken my heart.
But from what I have read. They eventually would have married on the reunion show.
May his soul Rest In Peace and may God continue to bless the hearts of his family, friends, fans and all of those who knew and loved him.
Ted Bessell was always a favorite in our house. I had a crush on him when That Girl first aired -- same with Mary Tyler Moore, if Mary had to end up with someone, I wanted it to be him. A very talented, likable actor who died way too soon. From all of the other comments, he was well-loved.
I remember him in That Girl. He was in a ABC movie of the week as a serial killer. He was really good in that. Very convincing.
yes he was very good in the movie mysery, I forget the name of that movie - if anyone remembers please let us know, Thanks
I remember that! It was like Psycho.
He was such a great actor and he had a great talent and he was very funny. Him and MT had great chemistry
Mr.bessell's, acting was one of the best Hollywood ever had. Pure natural talent so gifted.wish that you were still here entertaining us Mr.bessell.
"That Girl" was Bessell's peak. He joins many actors whose first starring role is what they are forever remembered for.
Excercised to That Girl during Spring pandemic days, sorry to hear he passed. I am sure he would have continued a successful directing career.
He'll be missed. What's your favorite That Girl episode, jhb7404?
Mr. Bessell passed away in October 1996 from a ruptured aortic aneurysm (this also took the life of Lucille Ball)-Mr. Bessell showed up in the ER a few times in the days leading up to his death--he complained of chest pain and was told this was related to "nerves" and anxiety--ultimately he collapsed at home and passed away
that is heartbreaking to hear, his life could have been saved if he had competent doctors. he was a gem.
@@marysmith8638 very similar to what happened to John Ritter. He fell ill on the set of "8 simple rules" and despite the fact that the hospital was right across the street from the studio he couldn't be saved. A dissection of the aorta is a very hard diagnosis to make and chest pain is usually considered a heart attack and treated that way. When Ritter continued to decline it was realized what he had and he was rushed to the OR but passed away on the table
So sad.
@@bufnyfan1, also Alan Thicke
Ted Bessel was one of the greatest actors that l have ever see, and he would of gone on to accomplish anything in his path. His dedication and devotion to God and his family was his most important role here on earth...Greatly loved and missed ❤
He was wonderful! A natural everyman actor. So sad he died too young.😢
Yes. He was able to play any part and make it his own. Still miss you after all this time. RIP
I remember him best on Gomer Pyle. Well, this goes to show, 'live everyday like it may be your last" RIP, Ted.
It's hard to say how Ted Bessell's career would have gone if he had lived longer, but my guess is that he would have continued to flourish. He was a very talented, hard-working man who was working on projects he seemed to care about.
And people seemed to care about him.
We agree! What's your favorite Ted Bessell show, Daniel?
Bessell was a solid actor...I'm sure he would of stayed in the business in some capacity.. whether an actor or director ..or even a writer..RIP Ted
I agree that he died way too young. He was still at the beginning of what promised to be a long, fruitful career.
God Bless Always Ted 🙏🏻😇
I think in terms of acting ‘That Girl’ might have been his height in terms of being the co-lead, though he was talented enough he would have gotten other roles.
It looked to me his directing career was looking very strong and he probably would have done very well both in film and television.
I always thought he and Marlo Thomas complimented each other so well and were delightful to watch though I was too young to see the show (or understand it when it was originally out). I know it from reruns and now on streaming. It’s good to know that he won’t be forgotten now that we live in an era where old TV shows and movies won’t be forgotten.
He was an important part of That Girl, just as much as Marlo Thomas.
I loved That Girl! Marlo and Ted Bessell worked so well together. RIP TED BESSELL
Loved "*That Girl* " _Marlo & Ted_ had great chemistry together! Looking at the movie poster for " _McHales Navy Joins the Airforce_ ,
I don't see Ted's name?
he was eminently replaceable
Indeed he was. It should have been THAT BOYFRIEND. Still watch the full series on ROKU. Mostly skip to the ones with Ted mainly in. Entertaining and funny. Some affectionate scenes were so touching, charmed and well written. Awe inspiring. Something we are not used to in film today.
I think Ted would’ve excelled in anything he continued working on. Said that he died young. Rest in peace, Ted.
Marlo and That Girl was my first big crush. The cast was great and the show Iconic..
He was a very talented man in all aspects of his life...A life that was cut short... :(
I experienced an aortic aneurysm and survived, but I was very very lucky. It happened not far from a hospital that had a doctor on staff who had done several of them successfully. He and his team of doctors saved my life. I was 71. Scared my poor wife almost to death. It's been four years and I feel great. A huge scar. I am thankful every morning and throughout the day.
@@stevemccarty6384 has Alwaysu67uuj
@@stevemccarty6384 G-D bless you! So thankful G-D saw to it you should live! Every day sure is a blessing!! May you, your wife, & family have a great holiday no matter what you celebrate, & a Healthy, & Happy 2021 !!
@@sharanchaye-logan5575, Why did you leave the letter "O" out of God's name? You done it twice. Makes no sense to me. Just curious.
@@favsongs9492
I’m Jewish. It is out of respect to the holy name of addressing G-D that His name is spelled that way when written. I embrace the goodness of other religions into my life... very spiritual. This is something I have kept , (the spelling as I have written it , of the holy name of G-D), as I grew into adulthood., & into the present day.
...As an artist, I incorporate the goodness of all backgrounds, & life, ( among other things), into my work.
Wishing you a great day.
Ted Bessel was a devout Catholic who went to Mass every day. This says a lot to me about what kind of person he truly was. God rest his soul.
Him and Marlo were great together , loved That girl
They really were! What was your favorite episode of That Girl, Arlyn?
@@FactsVerse the one where Donald meets the parents and the car gets stuck in the mud lol
Him contributed a great deal to the personality and quirkiness of the show.
my favorite That Girl episode is when Ann & Don we're lost in the woods, and they found the cabin,
He
Loved Ted ❤️ bessell.. Don h. Great actor
Ted Bessel was dating - Marlo T. - when he was on - That Girl - and was on - Mary Tyler Moore - show dating - Mary - as well ! thanks
I knew that he and Marlo dated, but did not know that he dated Mary too. I thought she was still married when he was on the show. The chemistry between them just didn't seem to work as well with Mary on the show as it did with Marlo.
Well done and good information on Ted Bessell. He was a talented and accomplished man. That Girl was a classic show in television history. Great writing, cast and guest stars!
I doubt Ted would have had the success he had with That Girl, which was perfect for the younger generation of that time, but he was a great talent. Ted and Marlo are forever embedded in America's memories as the youthful, aspiring actors they were, bursting with life and energy, who left their mark in the annals of the entertainment world, showering the world with much joy and laughter which was so badly needed in that era.
We agree, Dave!
I used to watch That Girl all the time. I had a mini crush on him when I was kid. I thought it was really cute. It was a great show, great cast. He will always be remembered. Thank you for sharing this story.
I remember Ted Bessel as one of the marines in Gomer's platoon in " Gomer Pyle USMC ".
So sorry that he died so young. He was so handsome. The chemistry between Marlo and Ted was so real. Thank God for That Girl. If he had not died, maybe he would of had a career after That Girl. RIP Ted.
I really enjoyed him and yes he would have gone far but probably as a director. May he rest in peace. I loved "That Girl" one of my all time favorites.
I first remember Ted from the 1962 show "It's A Man's World". It's about a bunch of guys living on a houseboat and Ted played a guy from a rich family named Tom-Tom DeWitt. The show only lasted one season but I was 11 and my sister 13 and we loved it.
Ted would have soared as an actor and director.
Loved him in That Girl. Very talented & would have much success in being a director. Miss you!
I liked that show. Marlo was so funny and pretty.
He was on Broadway for a longtime in “Same Time, Next Year”. It was a hit.
I think that girl was the peek of Ted Bessel career
In real life. If you could choose a good friend the characters that Ted Bessel played, would be a great friend.
We agree! Which of his characters is your favorite, Jeffrey?
Sure!! The kind of friend that if you go on vacation you leave him the key to water your plants or feed the cat!!!🤗yes yes yes!!!
Facts Verse I don’t know about Jeffrey but I never met a Ted Bessell character I didn’t like! Personal aside...I would pay money to have seen him on Lou Grant (1977-1982). If not his own character maybe playing Joe Rossi!
@@michaelmitchell5098 I would agree. Of all the characters Ted played, they all seemed to be honest, honorable, trustworthy, hardworking, faithful people.
Love Ted Bessel and always watch that girl. Great loss he could of gone on for a full career in the TV world and maybe movies
In the opening credits it said ALSO STARRING Ted Bessell. While attention is given primarilly to Marlo Thomas, he was billed as a co-equal star of the series.
wow, as soon as I saw the pic...massive memories. Thank you sir for that.
One more comment, thanks so much FV for another wonderful trip down memory lane!🥰🙏🏻
Every time I watch an episode of That Girl and see Ann and Donald's relationship, it makes me think of Max and 99's relationship on Get Smart. Only difference is, 99 was in love with Max from the start, but he was completely oblivious to that fact. One similarity is Ann's catchphrase, Oh, Donald, just like 99 would say, Oh, Max.
I never watched this show but I’m pretty sure that my mom did. You did bring back some memories of Love American Style. I had forgotten all about that show. Another one I would like to see you do is The Dating Show. Thank you for another great video Facts Verse and I hope you and your subscribers have a wonderful day 🌟
Check out "That Girl". Can find it on Hulu. Think you'll really like it.
I loved him when I was a lil kid. Yes, I think he would have captured the brass ring.
Great actor! I think he would of had more success in Hollywood if he lived longer.
Loved this guy....one of my first crushes as a kid.
Yes, he would have moved into a successful career in directing. He was so talented.
He really was, Karen
I agree.
That Girl was my favorite sit com as a young teen, and Donald epitomized the perfect boyfriend. I still binge watch the reruns on occasion.
Ted , Completed His Mission , Had -a- Good Life !” 😇
I loved THAT GIRL when I was a kid! I use to dream about moving to New York and having an apartment. I thought that was the most exciting life there was.
What's your favorite episode of That Girl, Linda?
Me too! When I met Marlo, I told her that!
I actually did move to New York, made that happen! Always dreamt of it and was inspired by the show!
Who knows what was in store for poor Ted. I only know as a teenager growing up in the 60’s, I was a huge fan of That Girl. Never missed an episode. So sad for his untimely death. I believe this was the cause of death for John Ritter also. As a retired nurse I know that there are no symptoms for aortic aneurysms, they are usually discovered when the patient goes for tests looking for another ailment. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually discovered with a simple ultrasound and other diagnostic testing. Just goes to show that we should strive to be happy and live life as if everyday was our last! Because it may just be that!
Lucille Ball - same condition/fate ...
I came here from watching him on an episode of the Alfred Hitchcock Hour where I thought he was Larry Blyden!!
I always thought of Ted Bessell as being the George Peppard character in Breakfast at Tiffany's on the small screen's That Girl. The same sardonic, good-natured, handsome and loveable chap!
So, no pics of him playing lacross, no pics of him dancing, or at school, no pics of him at Carnegie Hall, or neighborhood theater??
These two brought modesty and charm back into the forefront. It was their moral character, modesty, and the warm and courteous way they treated each other that made them so enjoyable and interesting to watch. A rarity these days.
I loved That Girl when I was 5 yrs old. I wanted to be like her and marry Donald when I grew up lol. I even have a That Girl Tshirt Now I'm 56 and still watch That Girl on Hulu. Always will be my fav along with I Dream of Genie
Good choices! An "I Love Lucy" nut here!
Jeanne
He was terrific in playing love interest on the Mary Tyler moore show.his reactions mannerisms and deliver was something special
I loved them .They were so cute together
I discovered I had an aortic aneurysm in 2014 when I asked my mother's cardiologist to take me on as a patient. At the time, I suspected I might have cardiac issues as well, although I had no outward signs. My father, who died in 1980, also had heart problems. As it turned out, my younger brother developed them, too, and had surgery two years after mine. He had been a smoker for about 40 years by then. If you have a family history of heart problems, have a cardiologist check you out now. If you need surgery, the earlier you have it done, the better your chances are for a full recovery.
Take care, you have been thru a lot.
We all wanted to be Marlo Thomas in That Girl..my other favorite role model was Mia Farrow in Peyton Place..💝💝🎈
They made a beautiful couple.
Loved the show, and in that time frame, I was dating a beautiful girl named Jenny whom I gave the nickname “TAT”....and I would frequently borrow the opening lines from “That Girl” to “That Tat”, while pretending to look around the room, until I would point her out to all our friends as”I choose “That Tat”...❤️💕❤️
That was so romantic, Jonathon! Did you have a favorite episode of That Girl?
@@FactsVerse thank you, no one episode, for I loved them all...Jenny always enjoyed my telling the crowd that I would choose “that Tat”!
I think he would have done many more acting/directing, jobs that would have displayed his talent. He was a natural!! Ted and Marlo Thomas (❤ her too!) had a great chemistry (as Barbara Eden (❤ love her too) & Larry Hagman had). He definitely is missed. I would even watch 'Gomer Pyle' to see. 👀 him. We won't forget you Ted. ❤
As I was watching Marcus Welby, MD on "You tube", I discovered he played in Season 3, episode 9 called "Echo from Another World" too bad he died too soon. I'm surprised that Wikipedia didn't add that to their article about him
IN MY VIEW
I never heard of Ted Bessell until I saw him for the first time on That Girl. It was easy falling in love with his character Donald.❤
I think he would've had a good career after That Girl. I always liked him and enjoyed watching him act. That's a very sad story.