Parley Baer

A character actor whose six-decade career encompassed more than 60 motion pictures, 1,600 television shows and 15,000 radio programs, Parley Baer was never a household name but his voice and face were familiar to generations of listeners and viewers. Originally a circus ringmaster, Baer began his career in radio in 1933, and became a fixture of the medium, appearing on shows such as "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Lux Radio Theater," "Screen Directors' Playhouse," "Cisco Kid," "Red Ryder," "My Friend Irma," "My Favorite Husband" and, in his most well-known role, "Gunsmoke," where he originated the role of Chester Proudfoot.