Norman Alden

Norman Alden

Norman Alden, born Norman Adelberg on September 13, 1924, was an American character actor who entertained audiences for nearly 50 years with his diverse and memorable performances. Standing at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80m), he possessed a presence that could be both commanding and warm, depending on the role. Alden discovered his passion for acting while attending Texas Christian University, where he participated in on-campus theater productions. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, he pursued a career in acting, landing his first television appearance in 1957 on The 20th Century Fox Hour. Throughout his career, Alden amassed an impressive filmography, appearing in dozens of television shows and films. He became known for a wide range of roles, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. Some of his most notable performances include Kranix and Arblus in The Transformers: The Movie (1986), Dr. Linstrom in I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977), the voice of Kay in The Sword in the Stone (1963), and guest appearances in popular shows like Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and The Twilight Zone. Alden continued to work steadily until his retirement in 2006. He left behind a legacy of diverse and memorable performances, proving his talent as a true character actor.

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Known For

Filmography

2009

Looking Back to the Future
Looking Back to the Future
as Self
Movie - Released: 2/10/2009

2006

Movie
Looking Back at the Future
as Himself
Movie - Released: 6/16/2006

2002

Movie
Night of the Wolf
as Carl Casey
Movie - Released: 4/15/2002

1998

Patch Adams
Patch Adams
as Truck Driver
Movie - Released: 12/25/1998

1996

Tracey Takes On...
Tracey Takes On...
TV - Released: 1/24/1996

1995

JAG
JAG
as Mr. Platt
TV - Released: 9/23/1995

1994

Ed Wood
Ed Wood
as Cameraman Bill (uncredited)
Movie - Released: 9/28/1994

1992

Bodies of Evidence
Bodies of Evidence
TV - Released: 6/18/1992

1989

Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders
Man Against the Mob: The Chinatown Murders
as Chief of Police
Movie - Released: 1/1/1989
Roller Blade Warriors: Taken by Force
Roller Blade Warriors: Taken by Force
as Bartender
Movie - Released: 4/28/1989
Cutting Class
Cutting Class
as Officer Fondulac
Movie - Released: 4/24/1989

1988

They Live
They Live
as Foreman
Movie - Released: 11/4/1988
Lady Mobster
Lady Mobster
as Sal Borolo
Movie - Released: 10/19/1988
Man Against the Mob
Man Against the Mob
as Capt. Necker
Movie - Released: 1/10/1988
TV 101
TV 101
as Ralphie
TV - Released: 11/29/1988

1987

Destination: America
Destination: America
as Tom Beller
Movie - Released: 4/3/1987
Off the Mark
Off the Mark
as Coach Elam
Movie - Released: 11/1/1987
21 Jump Street
21 Jump Street
TV - Released: 4/12/1987

1986

Sunday Drive
Sunday Drive
as Norman
Movie - Released: 11/30/1986
The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie
as Kranix (voice)
Movie - Released: 8/8/1986
Sledge Hammer!
Sledge Hammer!
as Roscoe
TV - Released: 9/23/1986
The Hogan Family
The Hogan Family
TV - Released: 3/1/1986

1985

Back to the Future
Back to the Future
as Lou
Movie - Released: 7/3/1985
California Girls
California Girls
as Mr. Pegem
Movie - Released: 3/24/1985
Heart of a Champion: The Ray Mancini Story
Heart of a Champion: The Ray Mancini Story
as Ray Arcel
Movie - Released: 5/1/1985

1984

Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote
as Mercer Hawthorne
TV - Released: 9/30/1984
Hunter
Hunter
as Jerry Walsh
TV - Released: 9/18/1984
Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote
as Bart Klapper
TV - Released: 9/30/1984
Hunter
Hunter
as Mike, Missing Persons
TV - Released: 9/18/1984
Hunter
Hunter
as Mike, Missing Persons (uncredited)
TV - Released: 9/18/1984

1983

Hardcastle and McCormick
Hardcastle and McCormick
TV - Released: 9/18/1983
The A-Team
The A-Team
as Ed Maloney
TV - Released: 1/23/1983
Webster
Webster
TV - Released: 9/16/1983
The A-Team
The A-Team
as Mickey Stern
TV - Released: 1/23/1983

1982

Desperate Lives
Desperate Lives
as Coach
Movie - Released: 3/3/1982
Silver Spoons
Silver Spoons
TV - Released: 9/25/1982
Cagney & Lacey
Cagney & Lacey
as Dan Cobbin
TV - Released: 3/25/1982
Matt Houston
Matt Houston
TV - Released: 9/26/1982
Matt Houston
Matt Houston
as Sheriff Tim Keeler
TV - Released: 9/26/1982

1981

Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest
as Det. Bitterman
TV - Released: 12/4/1981
The Fall Guy
The Fall Guy
TV - Released: 11/4/1981
Nero Wolfe
Nero Wolfe
TV - Released: 12/24/1981
Code Red
Code Red
as Robert Melton
TV - Released: 9/20/1981
Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues
as Art Eastland
TV - Released: 1/15/1981

1980

Borderline
Borderline
as Willie Lambert
Movie - Released: 12/19/1980
Cloud Dancer
Cloud Dancer
as Dr. Putman
Movie - Released: 5/29/1980
Flamingo Road
Flamingo Road
as Pete
Movie - Released: 5/12/1980
Back to the Planet of the Apes
Back to the Planet of the Apes
as Zako
Movie - Released: 11/17/1980
Enos
Enos
TV - Released: 11/12/1980
Stone
Stone
TV - Released: 1/14/1980

1979

Samurai
Samurai
as Lt. Al DeNisco
Movie - Released: 4/30/1979
No Other Love
No Other Love
as Les Hollister
Movie - Released: 3/24/1979
Trapper John, M.D.
Trapper John, M.D.
TV - Released: 9/23/1979
The Facts of Life
The Facts of Life
TV - Released: 8/24/1979
California Fever
California Fever
TV - Released: 9/25/1979

1978

Ring of Passion
Ring of Passion
as Max Machon
Movie - Released: 2/4/1978
Dallas
Dallas
as Senator Orloff
TV - Released: 4/2/1978
Vega$
Vega$
TV - Released: 9/20/1978

1977

Semi-Tough
Semi-Tough
as Coach Alvin Parks
Movie - Released: 11/18/1977
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
as McPherson
Movie - Released: 7/14/1977
The Love Boat
The Love Boat
as Ralph
TV - Released: 9/24/1977
Eight Is Enough
Eight Is Enough
TV - Released: 3/15/1977
The All-New Super Friends Hour
The All-New Super Friends Hour
TV - Released: 9/10/1977
TV
Young Dan'l Boone
TV - Released: 9/12/1977
Hunter
Hunter
TV - Released: 2/18/1977

1976

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
as Coach Leroy Fedders
TV - Released: 1/5/1976
Alice
Alice
TV - Released: 8/31/1976
Quincy, M.E.
Quincy, M.E.
TV - Released: 10/3/1976
Charlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels
as Louis Fluellen
TV - Released: 9/22/1976
Electra Woman and Dyna Girl
Electra Woman and Dyna Girl
as Professor Frank Heflin
TV - Released: 9/11/1976
Charlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels
as P. J. Wilkes
TV - Released: 9/22/1976
Charlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels
as Jake Barnett
TV - Released: 9/22/1976

1975

Starsky & Hutch
Starsky & Hutch
TV - Released: 9/10/1975
Switch
Switch
as Barney
TV - Released: 9/9/1975
TV
Fay
as Al Cassidy
TV - Released: 9/4/1975
Bronk
Bronk
TV - Released: 4/17/1975
One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time
TV - Released: 12/16/1975

1974

Cry Panic
Cry Panic
as Doc Potter
Movie - Released: 2/6/1974
Terror on the 40th Floor
Terror on the 40th Floor
as Capt. Parker
Movie - Released: 9/17/1974
Planet of the Apes
Planet of the Apes
TV - Released: 9/13/1974
The Manhunter
The Manhunter
TV - Released: 9/11/1974
Devlin
Devlin
TV - Released: 9/7/1974
The Rockford Files
The Rockford Files
as Roland Eddy
TV - Released: 9/13/1974

1973

Super Friends
Super Friends
TV - Released: 9/8/1973
Kojak
Kojak
as Foster
TV - Released: 10/24/1973
Super Friends
Super Friends
as Aquaman (voice)
TV - Released: 9/8/1973
Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones
as Timmer
TV - Released: 1/28/1973

1972

Kansas City Bomber
Kansas City Bomber
as Horrible Hank Hopkins
Movie - Released: 8/2/1972
Stand Up and Be Counted
Stand Up and Be Counted
as Businessman
Movie - Released: 5/1/1972
Ben
Ben
as Policeman
Movie - Released: 6/23/1972
Where Does It Hurt?
Where Does It Hurt?
as Katzen
Movie - Released: 7/24/1972
The Rookies
The Rookies
TV - Released: 9/11/1972
The Streets of San Francisco
The Streets of San Francisco
TV - Released: 9/23/1972
Kung Fu
Kung Fu
as Sheriff Crossman
TV - Released: 10/14/1972
The Streets of San Francisco
The Streets of San Francisco
as Sgt. Dan Healy
TV - Released: 9/23/1972

1971

The Trackers
The Trackers
as Pete Dilworth
Movie - Released: 12/15/1971
Cannon
Cannon
as Mitchell
Movie - Released: 3/26/1971
Cannon
Cannon
TV - Released: 9/14/1971
McMillan & Wife
McMillan & Wife
as Randy Baine
TV - Released: 9/29/1971
Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law
Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law
as Henry Grover
TV - Released: 9/16/1971

1970

The Psychiatrist: God Bless the Children
The Psychiatrist: God Bless the Children
as Sheriff Glenn
Movie - Released: 12/14/1970
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Tora! Tora! Tora!
as Major Truman Landon
Movie - Released: 1/26/1970
Dan August
Dan August
as Benjamin Marsh
TV - Released: 9/23/1970

1969

All the Loving Couples
All the Loving Couples
as Mitch Burnett
Movie - Released: 3/19/1969
The Pigeon
The Pigeon
as Carl
Movie - Released: 11/4/1969
The Great Bank Robbery
The Great Bank Robbery
as The Great Gregory - Balloonist
Movie - Released: 6/24/1969
Medical Center
Medical Center
TV - Released: 9/24/1969
To Rome with Love
To Rome with Love
TV - Released: 9/28/1969
Love, American Style
Love, American Style
as Paul
TV - Released: 9/29/1969
Love, American Style
Love, American Style
as Barry
TV - Released: 9/29/1969
Love, American Style
Love, American Style
as Bernie
TV - Released: 9/29/1969

1968

Killers Three
Killers Three
as Guthrie
Movie - Released: 11/1/1968
Movie
Fever Heat
as Herbert Hupgrove
Movie - Released: 5/15/1968
The Devil's Brigade
The Devil's Brigade
as MP Lieutenant
Movie - Released: 5/15/1968
Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O
as Cameron
TV - Released: 9/20/1968
The Mod Squad
The Mod Squad
TV - Released: 9/24/1968
Adam-12
Adam-12
as Sgt. Hardwick
TV - Released: 9/21/1968
Adam-12
Adam-12
as Charley Baker
TV - Released: 9/21/1968
The Mod Squad
The Mod Squad
as Parker
TV - Released: 9/24/1968
The Mod Squad
The Mod Squad
as Russ Barry
TV - Released: 9/24/1968

1967

Good Times
Good Times
as Warren
Movie - Released: 4/11/1967
First to Fight
First to Fight
as Sergeant Schmidtmer
Movie - Released: 1/25/1967
Mannix
Mannix
TV - Released: 9/16/1967
The Guns of Will Sonnett
The Guns of Will Sonnett
TV - Released: 9/8/1967
Rango
Rango
TV - Released: 1/13/1967
Mannix
Mannix
as Travers
TV - Released: 9/16/1967
The Danny Thomas Hour
The Danny Thomas Hour
as Marshak
TV - Released: 9/11/1967
Mannix
Mannix
as Lou Griswold
TV - Released: 9/16/1967

1966

The Wild Angels
The Wild Angels
as Medic
Movie - Released: 7/20/1966
Family Affair
Family Affair
TV - Released: 9/12/1966
Batman
Batman
as Henchman #1
TV - Released: 1/12/1966
Run, Buddy, Run
Run, Buddy, Run
TV - Released: 9/12/1966

1965

Red Line 7000
Red Line 7000
as Pat
Movie - Released: 11/9/1965
Andy
Andy
as Andy Chadakis
Movie - Released: 1/23/1965
The F.B.I.
The F.B.I.
as Norman Frome
TV - Released: 9/19/1965
Hogan's Heroes
Hogan's Heroes
as Sergeant Krebs
TV - Released: 9/17/1965
The Big Valley
The Big Valley
as Jeff Bowden
TV - Released: 9/15/1965
Honey West
Honey West
as Ben Fancher
TV - Released: 9/17/1965
The F.B.I.
The F.B.I.
as Worth
TV - Released: 9/19/1965
Honey West
Honey West
as Artie Dixon
TV - Released: 9/17/1965

1964

Man's Favorite Sport?
Man's Favorite Sport?
as John Screaming Eagle
Movie - Released: 1/31/1964
The Patsy
The Patsy
as Bully at the Gym
Movie - Released: 6/24/1964
The Cara Williams Show
The Cara Williams Show
TV - Released: 9/23/1964

1963

The Sword in the Stone
The Sword in the Stone
as Kay (voice)
Movie - Released: 12/25/1963
The Nutty Professor
The Nutty Professor
as Football Player
Movie - Released: 6/4/1963
Burke's Law
Burke's Law
as Mark Hodges
TV - Released: 9/20/1963
The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters
The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters
as Broken Mouth
TV - Released: 9/29/1963
The Dakotas
The Dakotas
TV - Released: 1/7/1963
Temple Houston
Temple Houston
as Carlton Owens
TV - Released: 9/19/1963
My Favorite Martian
My Favorite Martian
as Detective Harris
TV - Released: 9/29/1963

1962

Combat!
Combat!
as Pfc. Cooper
TV - Released: 10/2/1962
Saints and Sinners
Saints and Sinners
as Frank Donelli
TV - Released: 9/17/1962
Combat!
Combat!
as Pvt. Buford
TV - Released: 10/2/1962

1961

Operation Bottleneck
Operation Bottleneck
as Cpl. Lester 'Merc' Davenport
Movie - Released: 4/7/1961
Secret of Deep Harbor
Secret of Deep Harbor
as Barney Haines
Movie - Released: 9/19/1961
Portrait of a Mobster
Portrait of a Mobster
as Bo Wetzel
Movie - Released: 4/19/1961
Cain's Hundred
Cain's Hundred
as Fred Jackson
TV - Released: 9/19/1961
Everglades
Everglades
TV - Released: 10/9/1961
Ben Casey
Ben Casey
TV - Released: 10/2/1961
Dr. Kildare
Dr. Kildare
as Bernie (uncredited)
TV - Released: 9/27/1961

1960

The Walking Target
The Walking Target
as Sam Russo
Movie - Released: 10/1/1960
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
as Tom Strongbow
TV - Released: 10/3/1960
My Three Sons
My Three Sons
TV - Released: 9/29/1960
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show
as Hank
TV - Released: 10/3/1960

1959

Mr. Lucky
Mr. Lucky
TV - Released: 10/24/1959
Philip Marlowe
Philip Marlowe
TV - Released: 10/6/1959
The Lawless Years
The Lawless Years
TV - Released: 4/16/1959
Hennesey
Hennesey
TV - Released: 9/28/1959
TV
Not for Hire
TV - Released: 10/23/1959
The Untouchables
The Untouchables
as Barry Carlton
TV - Released: 10/15/1959
Mr. Lucky
Mr. Lucky
as Devil
TV - Released: 10/24/1959
The Untouchables
The Untouchables
as John Henry Whitmore
TV - Released: 10/15/1959
Bonanza
Bonanza
as Teller
TV - Released: 9/12/1959

1958

Man with a Camera
Man with a Camera
TV - Released: 10/10/1958
Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse
Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse
TV - Released: 10/6/1958
The Texan
The Texan
as Ryan
TV - Released: 9/29/1958
The Rifleman
The Rifleman
as Duff
TV - Released: 9/30/1958
77 Sunset Strip
77 Sunset Strip
as Rene
TV - Released: 10/10/1958
Lawman
Lawman
as Charley - Townsman
TV - Released: 10/5/1958

1957

Perry Mason
Perry Mason
as Darrel Reed
TV - Released: 9/21/1957
Leave It to Beaver
Leave It to Beaver
as Water Dept. Worker
TV - Released: 10/4/1957
The Thin Man
The Thin Man
TV - Released: 9/20/1957
Richard Diamond, Private Detective
Richard Diamond, Private Detective
as Ben Regan
TV - Released: 7/1/1957
Panic!
Panic!
TV - Released: 3/5/1957

1955

Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
as Purlie Loftus
TV - Released: 9/10/1955
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp
as Johnny Ringo
TV - Released: 9/6/1955
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
as Deke Franklin
TV - Released: 9/10/1955
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
as Berber
TV - Released: 9/10/1955
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
as Amos Potter
TV - Released: 9/10/1955
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke
as Tom Hart
TV - Released: 9/10/1955
The 20th Century Fox Hour
The 20th Century Fox Hour
as Frank Fallom
TV - Released: 10/5/1955

1954

Lassie
Lassie
TV - Released: 9/12/1954
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
TV - Released: 10/15/1954
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
as Black Cloud
TV - Released: 10/15/1954
The Wonderful World of Disney
The Wonderful World of Disney
as Norman
TV - Released: 10/27/1954

1950

The Jack Benny Program
The Jack Benny Program
as Man with iron bar
TV - Released: 10/28/1950