Joseph Wiseman, an actor who played the sinister scientist and title character of Dr. No in the first James Bond feature film, has died. He was 91. Wiseman, who had been in declining health, died Monday at his home in Manhattan, his daughter, Martha Graham Wiseman, told The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
A screen and stage actor, Wiseman's film credits include 'Detective Story' (1951) and 'The Unforgiven' (1960). He also had guest roles on television shows 'Law & Order,' 'The Streets of San Francisco,' 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Untouchables.'
He is likely best known, however, for his villainous role in 'Dr. No,' the first in a long string of James Bond movies. The 1962 film introduced Sean Connery as James Bond and also starred Ursula Andress.
Watch a Clip From the Film:
Wiseman was born in Montreal on May 15, 1918. He moved to the United States with his family when he was a boy.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Wiseman started acting when he was a teenager, getting his start in summer stock.
In 1938, he was given a small part in his first Broadway play, Robert E. Sherwood's "Abe Lincoln in Illinois."
Wiseman's other Broadway credits include "Joan of Lorraine" (1946), "Antony and Cleopatra" (1947), "Detective Story" (1949); and most recently in the stage adaptation of Abby Mann's film "Judgment at Nuremberg" (2001).
"Stage acting was what he wanted to be remembered for," Wiseman's daughter told the Los Angeles newspaper.
Vic Mizzy, Sept. 17: The songwriter who composed the catchy themes for the 1960s sit-coms 'The Addams Family' and 'Green Acres,' has died at age 93. His manager Jonathan Wolfson said he didn't know the cause of death. Mizzy is survived by a brother, daughter and two grandchildren.
Vic Mizzy, Sept. 17: The songwriter who composed the catchy themes for the 1960s sit-coms 'The Addams Family' and 'Green Acres,' has died at age 93. His manager Jonathan Wolfson said he didn't know the cause of death. Mizzy is survived by a brother, daughter and two grandchildren.
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Henry Gibson, Sept. 14: The actor known for roles in 'Blues Brothers,' 'The Burbs' and 'Laugh-In' died at his home in Malibu after battling cancer. He was 73.
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Army Archerd, Sept. 8: The iconic entertainment columnist (right) who wrote for Daily Variety for more than 50 years died at the age of 87.
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Patrick Swayze, Sept. 14: The 'Dirty Dancing' star passed away at the age of 57. The actor fought nearly a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
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John Hughes, August 6: The filmmaker responsible for iconic '80s movies like 'Pretty in Pink,' 'Sixteen Candles' and 'The Breakfast Club,' suffered a fatal heart attack while visiting New York City.
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Brenda Joyce, July 4: The actress, who played Jane in several 'Tarzan' films with Johnny Weissmuller (pictured in 'Tarzan and the Amazons') and later Lex Barker, died at age 92. Joyce quit showbiz after completing 1949's 'Tarzan's Magic Fountain.' She went on to work for the government.
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Harve Presnell, June 30: The 'Fargo' star succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 75.
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Karl Malden, July 1: The Academy Award-winning actor, known for roles in cinematic milestones 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'On the Waterfront' and for his jump to TV in the 1970s with 'The Streets of San Francisco,' died of natural causes at his home in California. He was 97.
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Mia Farrow's brother, sculptor Patrick Farrow, was found dead in his Vermont art gallery after an unnamed woman made an emergency call. Police have called the death "suspicious."
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Farrah Fawcett, June 25: Fawcett died at 62 following a long and brave battle with cancer. The 'Charlie's Angels' star was one of the biggest sex symbols of the '70s and had won acclaim for turning to more serious film and TV roles in the 1980s.
I fear that I shall remember him as Dr No rather than as a great stage actor. But it was certainly clear from his performance in that flick that he was a fine actor (and could play a really psychpathic SOB). RIP Joseph Wiseman
Ursula Andress was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful actresses on film. I had her pics from Playboy on my college wall. They never failed to get a comment.
How embarrassing for you. Dr. No of course IS the first James Bond film. However it was the sixth James Bond novel. The movies were not made in the sequence that they were written. But you are completely wrong thinking Dr. No was the second James Bond film. EVERY James Bond fan knows Dr. No was the first film of the series. Lol, and you said "Know Your Facts", how funny.
Not taking away anything from Dr. No, a cool villian, but I always preferred the Bond villians and henchmen of the Roger Moore years...especially Max Zorin & Jaws (the latter of which I got to meet at a convention a few years ago).
yes i agree that Mr Wiseman was very entertaining in all the stuff Ive seen him in...i love Bond movies and Twilight Zone...we will miss him and his work will live forever....RIP Joseph Wiseman and thanks for sharing your art and talent
Joseph Wiseman, an actor who played the sinister scientist and title character of Dr. No in the first James Bond feature film, has died. He was 91. Wiseman, who had been in declining health, died Monday at his home in Manhattan, his daughter, Martha Graham Wiseman, told The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
Comments
(16)Add a comment
Wednesday 21 October
By mdg925
I KNEW he didn't die when the reactor exploded! Great performance as a member of a great cast.
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By rphall
I fear that I shall remember him as Dr No rather than as a great stage actor. But it was certainly clear from his performance in that flick that he was a fine actor (and could play a really psychpathic SOB). RIP Joseph Wiseman
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By Mike
I thought James Bond killed him in 1962!
All kidding aside, condolences to the first Bond movie villian. He set the mold for the dozens of villians to follow him.
He certainly left his mark.
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By cold
He was great in the episode of Twighlight Zone
called The Last Pallbearer, it's one of my favorites.
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By Mike
Too cool. I immediately thought of Twilight Zone when I saw who it was.
Wednesday 21 October
By Alika
Mr Wiseman acted so well,We disliked or hated Dr
No,thats the mark of a great actor! RIP Wiseman!
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By ronald1216@aol.com
wow that chick is so beautiful in that silver dress wonder what she looks like today
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By Bob
Ursula Andress was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful actresses on film. I had her pics from Playboy on my college wall. They never failed to get a comment.
Wednesday 21 October
By Charles
Dr. NO, was the SECOND James Bond film. Please know your facts.
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By Jack
Sorry, but I remember it (Dr.No) as the first.
Wednesday 21 October
By Jack
How embarrassing for you. Dr. No of course IS the first James Bond film. However it was the sixth James Bond novel. The movies were not made in the sequence that they were written. But you are completely wrong thinking Dr. No was the second James Bond film. EVERY James Bond fan knows Dr. No was the first film of the series. Lol, and you said "Know Your Facts", how funny.
Wednesday 21 October
By Mark
No, Dr. No was the 1st Bond movie, followed by From Russia With Love, then Goldfinger, etc.
Wednesday 21 October
By loganr30
actually Dr.No was the first big screen movie of bond, there was a t.v. movie made of casino royale, it was done in the 50's that fact is right.
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By vgkflc
Rest well my friend.
Reply
Thursday 22 October
By Jon
Not taking away anything from Dr. No, a cool villian, but I always preferred the Bond villians and henchmen of the Roger Moore years...especially Max Zorin & Jaws (the latter of which I got to meet at a convention a few years ago).
Reply
Wednesday 21 October
By Kurt
yes i agree that Mr Wiseman was very entertaining in all the stuff Ive seen him in...i love Bond movies and Twilight Zone...we will miss him and his work will live forever....RIP Joseph Wiseman and thanks for sharing your art and talent
Reply