Gregory Walcott (1928-2015) was an American actor. He appeared in a number of westerns and action-adventures, both in films and on television. He co-starred on the 1961-62 TV series 87th Precinct.
Plan 9 from Outer Space[]
Gregory Walcott starred in the 1957 film Plan 9 from Outer Space, written and directed by Ed Wood. Unlike many of the other actors in the film, Walcott was not part of Wood’s usual stable of performers. He appeared in the film as a favor to the producer Ed Reynolds, a personal friend of Walcott’s.
For many years after the film was released, Walcott distanced himself from it. He believed the film to be of embarrassingly low quality. After Plan 9 attained cult-favorite status, Walcott warmed to the film and attended some screenings as a special guest. He made a cameo in the 1994 film Ed Wood as a potential backer for Bride of the Monster.
Memoir[]
In 2003, Gregory Walcott published the memoir Hollywood Adventures: the Gregory Walcott Story. In it, he devotes short chapters to various personalities from show business with whom he had worked.
- On John Agar: "His career stalled ... resulting from his bouts with booze and his marriage problems emerged with Shirley (Temple). For one thing, it was too humiliating for John to be addressed by waiters as 'Mr. Temple' ... He had a bumpy beginning in Hollywood, but now lives a quiet and happy life with Loretta, married for 48 years." (pg. 98-99)
- On a screen test with Jayne Mansfield: "She seemed nervous and was very preoccupied with her neckline, which was dipping at a dangerous level ... I had the feeling if she had been concentrating more on the dialogue, rather than the neckline, the scene would have gone better. She didn't get the part, but a few years later Jane (sic) Mansfield would eventually enjoy a time of success starring in a few sophomoric movies." (pg. 92-93)
- On John Carradine: "A man of impeccable manners, he remained standing until Barbara (Walcott's wife) took a seat ... He seemed proud of his boys and their career accomplishments, commenting with a wry smile about their different and mischievous temperaments." (pg. 126)
- On Rex Reason: "When Rex Reason enters a room, heads turn. It's like a Roman gladiator stepping into an arena. His impressive physique and graceful presence are just that commanding." (pg. 178)
- On Jack Palance: "Jack had a cagey look, a look somewhere between humor and pathological. You couldn't quite put your finger on what Jack was thinking." (pg. 153)
- On Steven Spielberg: "He was rather shy and awkward in social situations." (pg. 143)
- On Clint Eastwood: "Of all the directors I've worked for, Clint Eastwood is my favorite. Working on an Eastwood movie set is a real pleasure. There is rarely any tension, no bickering and Clint never screams as many directors do." (pg. 155)
- On Ed Wood: “… a charmingly handsome man… who resembled Errol Flynn, (and was) a smooth promoter.” (pg. 118)
- On the making of Plan 9 from Outer Space: “I went home that first day and I remember distinctly saying to my wife, ‘Honey, this had got to be the worst film ever made.’ … Amazingly enough, it picked up a viewing audience amused by its outlandish amateurism. It was so shockingly bad that it was actually funny.” (pg. 119)
Additionally, the book’s cover features a blurb from Walcott’s occasional co-star Clint Eastwood: “Greg, you are the best.”
Notes[]
- Gregory Walcott appears in the pilot episode of the TV series Gemini Man, some of which was included in the compilation feature Riding with Death. These scenes do not include Walcott. Gregory Walcott had previously appeared in one episode of the TV western Alias Smith and Jones, also starring Ben Murphy.
- Walcott had also appeared in one episode of the TV series The Invisible Man (starring David McCallum), which Gemini Man replaced.
- In the film Ed Wood, Gregory Walcott was played by Daniel Riordan, who was credited as "Pilot / Strapping Young Man".
Riffed Movies[]
- Plan 9 from Outer Space (Mike Nelson Commentaries, RiffTrax, RiffTrax Live & The Mads Are Back) - as Jeff Trent
Gallery[]
