William Schallert (July 6, 1922 – May 8, 2016) was a remarkably prolific American character actor, one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous faces in television history, who is best known for his role as the beloved father Martin Lane on the classic 1960s sitcom, The Patty Duke Show.
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Schallert was a fixture on American television, with recurring roles in numerous early series like The Adventures of Jim Bowie and Richard Diamond, Private Detective. He also became an icon to science-fiction fans, appearing in the film The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) and delivering a memorable performance as the fussy Federation Undersecretary Nilz Baris in the classic Star Trek episode, “The Trouble with Tribbles.”
Beyond his on-screen work, Schallert was a dedicated advocate for his fellow actors, serving as the President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) from 1979 to 1981. His unparalleled work ethic and familiar, friendly presence cemented his legacy as one of television’s greatest and most dependable character actors.