The Rockford Files Cast List
- Fringe, The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd, FedsBonnie Blair Brown (born April 23, 1946) is an American theater, film and television actress. She has had a number of high-profile roles, including in the play Copenhagen on Broadway, the leading actress in the films Altered States (1980), Continental Divide (1981) and Strapless (1989), as well as a run as the title character in the comedy-drama television series The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd, which ran from 1987 to 1991. Her later roles include Nina Sharp on the Fox television series Fringe and Judy King on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black.
- The Rockford Files, Dynasty, Doc ElliotWilliam Hopkins, known as Bo Hopkins, is an American actor of stage, film and television.
Gretchen Corbett
The Rockford Files, OtherworldGretchen Hoyt Corbett (born August 13, 1947) is an American actress and theater director. She is primarily known for her roles in television, but has also had a prolific career as a stage actress on Broadway as well as in regional theater. A native of Portland, Oregon and the great-great-granddaughter of Henry W. Corbett, she studied drama at Carnegie Mellon University before making her stage debut in a production of Othello at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She subsequently appeared in lead roles on Broadway in After the Rain (1967) and Forty Carats (1968), opposite Julie Harris. She also starred off-Broadway in the title role of Iphigenia in Aulis (1968), and as Joan la Pucelle in Shakespeare's Henry IV, staged at Central Park's Delacorte Theater in 1970. She also starred as Jeanne d'Arc in The Survival of St. Joan between 1970 and 1971. She made her feature film debut in the comedy Out of It (1969), followed by a supporting role in the cult horror film Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971). In 1972, Corbett signed a contract with Universal Studios, and appeared in numerous television films and series for the studio, while simultaneously working in summer stock theater on the East Coast. Between 1974 and 1978, she starred as the idealistic attorney Beth Davenport on the NBC series The Rockford Files, opposite James Garner. She subsequently starred in the horror film Jaws of Satan (1981), and the drama Million Dollar Infield (1982), directed by Hal Cooper. For the majority of the 1980s, Corbett appeared in guest-starring roles on numerous television series, including Cheers (1983), Magnum, P.I. (1981–1983), and Otherworld (1985). She later had minor parts in the films Without Evidence (1995) and A Change of Heart (1998). Since the 2000s, Corbett has served as the artistic director of the Portland-based Haven Project, a theater project serving underprivileged children, and appeared in numerous stage productions at the Portland Center Stage as well as the city's Third Rail Repertory. She returned to television with a recurring character on the IFC series Portlandia in 2013, and had a guest-starring role on the Hulu series Shrill in 2019.- The Rockford Files, 8 Simple Rules, MaverickJames Garner, an illustrious figure in American film and television industry, carved a niche for himself with his charismatic performances and unique acting prowess. Born as James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma, on April 7, 1928, Garner was one of the few actors who successfully transitioned from movie stardom to television fame, solidifying his place in the hearts of audiences across generations. His early life bore witness to hardships, including the tragic death of his mother when he was just four and the subsequent harsh treatment by his stepmother. Nonetheless, these trials did not deter him, rather they endowed him with resilience that was reflected later in his roles. Garner's career trajectory took off during the Korean War when he served as a merchant marine before diving into acting. He made his mark on television with the show Maverick, where he played a clever and reluctant hero, a character that would become his signature. However, it was his role in the series The Rockford Files that truly skyrocketed his popularity, bringing him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. His portrayal of private detective Jim Rockford showcased his knack for combining humor with drama, a distinct characteristic of Garner's style. In addition to his successful television career, Garner also made substantial contributions to cinema. His most notable big-screen roles include The Great Escape, Murphy's Romance, for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and The Notebook, displaying his versatility as an actor. Garner's body of work is marked by its diversity, spanning genres from war dramas to romantic comedies. Despite his passing on July 19, 2014, James Garner's legacy continues to inspire, exemplifying the journey of a man who triumphed over adversity to etch his name in the annals of American entertainment history.
- The Stand, Empire Falls, Game ChangeEd Harris, an American actor, director, and screenwriter, was born on November 28, 1950, in Englewood, New Jersey. Harris's journey into the realm of acting began in high school when he participated in school productions. His passion for performing arts led him to the University of Oklahoma, where he studied drama. He then honed his craft at the California Institute of the Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1975. Harris embarked on his professional career with stage performances and minor roles in television before transitioning to film. In his illustrious career spanning over four decades, Harris has showcased remarkable versatility in delivering gritty, compelling performances across a wide range of genres. His breakthrough came in 1983 with the science fiction thriller The Right Stuff, earning him his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Subsequent works such as Apollo 13, The Truman Show, and Pollock cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood's most reliable actors, garnering him three more Academy nominations. Harris's talent extends beyond acting, proving him to be a gifted director and screenwriter as well. His directorial debut, Pollock, in which he also starred, won widespread critical acclaim. Harris simultaneously worked in theater, earning a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding One-Person Show for his role in the play Wrecks. Throughout his career, Ed Harris has remained a symbol of dedication and proficiency in his craft.
- The Rockford Files, Another World, Harris and CompanyJames A. Luisi (November 2, 1928 – June 7, 2002) was an American professional basketball player and actor. Luisi is perhaps best known for his role as Lt. Doug Chapman, the apoplectic foil to Jim Rockford, during Seasons 3 through 6 of the television series The Rockford Files.
- The Rockford Files, Hardcastle and McCormick, a.k.a. PabloJoe Santos (born Joseph John Minieri Jr.; June 9, 1931 – March 18, 2016) was an Italian-American film and television actor, best known as Sgt. Dennis Becker, the friend of James Garner's character, on the NBC crime drama, The Rockford Files.
- The Rockford Files, Circus Boy, RiverboatNoah Lindsey Beery (August 10, 1913 – November 1, 1994), known professionally as Noah Beery Jr. or just Noah Beery, was an American actor specializing in warm, friendly character roles similar to the ones played by his paternal uncle, Wallace Beery, although Noah Beery Jr., unlike his more famous uncle, seldom broke away from playing supporting roles. His father, Noah Nicholas Beery (known professionally as Noah Beery or Noah Beery Sr.), enjoyed a similarly lengthy film career as a major supporting actor. Beery Jr. was best known for playing James Garner's character's father, "Rocky" in the NBC television series The Rockford Files (1974–80).
- The Rockford Files, Love, American StyleStuart Margolin (born January 31, 1940) is an American film and television actor and director who won two Emmy Awards for playing Evelyn "Angel" Martin on the 1970s television series The Rockford Files.
- The Rockford Files, SerpicoTom Atkins (born November 13, 1935) is an American character actor. He is primarily known for his work in the horror and thriller film genres, having worked with writers and directors such as Shane Black, William Peter Blatty, John Carpenter, Fred Dekker, Richard Donner, Stephen King, and George A. Romero. He is also a familiar face to mainstream viewers, often playing police officers and tough authority figures. Atkins has starred in numerous films including The Fog (1980), The Ninth Configuration (1980), Escape from New York (1981), Creepshow (1982), Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), Night of the Creeps (1986), Lethal Weapon (1987), Maniac Cop (1988), Two Evil Eyes (1990), Bob Roberts (1992), Striking Distance (1993), and Drive Angry (2011).
- Knots Landing, McMillan & Wife, Thundarr the BarbarianJoan Van Ark, renowned for her exceptional talent in the world of acting, has left an indelible mark on both the small and big screens. Born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, she spent her formative years in Boulder, Colorado, where her passion for performance was kindled. A graduate of Yale School of Drama, Joan also holds the distinction of being the youngest student ever admitted into the prestigious Actors Studio. Van Ark's career in television and film spans over five decades, with her breakthrough role coming in 1978 as Valene Ewing in the popular soap opera Knots Landing. Her portrayal of the complex character earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim, resulting in a Primetime Emmy nomination and a Soap Opera Digest Award. Beyond her iconic role in Knots Landing, Joan has showcased her versatility with appearances in numerous other television series including Dallas, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Nip/Tuck. Apart from her extensive television work, Joan Van Ark has also made a significant impact on stage. She is notably one of the few American actresses to have performed at London's Royal Shakespeare Company, demonstrating her commitment to honing her craft. Her stage repertoire includes performances in plays like The School for Wives, for which she received a Tony nomination. Joan's contribution to the entertainment industry is undeniable, reflecting a career defined by dedication, resilience, and an enduring love for storytelling.
- Producers' Showcase, Screen One, DuPont Show of the WeekLauren Bacall, born Betty Joan Perske on September 16, 1924, in New York City, was a renowned American actress known for her distinctive husky voice and sultry looks. Bacall's career in Hollywood spanned over seven decades, with her first major role being opposite Humphrey Bogart in Howard Hawks' film To Have and Have Not in 1944. Her talent and charm quickly made her one of the leading ladies in the film noir genre during the 1940s and 1950s. Bacall's professional achievements included nominations for three Academy Awards, winning one honorary Oscar, two Tony Awards, and a Golden Globe. She also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in motion pictures from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. While her professional accolades are numerous, Bacall is perhaps equally well-known for her marriage to Humphrey Bogart, which lasted until his death in 1957. Their love story is often considered one of Hollywood's most iconic. Beyond her acting career, Bacall was an author, penning two autobiographies, Lauren Bacall By Myself in 1978 and Now in 1994, providing fans a glimpse into her life off-screen. She was also known for her political activism, particularly her support for liberal causes and candidates. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Bacall remained a force in the entertainment industry until her death at the age of 89 on August 12, 2014. Her legacy continues to influence and inspire actors today, marking her as an enduring figure in Hollywood history.
- Alphas, The Bionic Woman, The Fall GuyLindsay Wagner is universally recognized for her critically acclaimed performance in The Bionic Woman, an iconic television series of the 1970s. Born on June 22, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, Wagner showed an early affinity towards the art of performing. This passion led her to attend the University of Oregon to study film and music, but a modeling contract from the esteemed Ford Agency in New York would soon pivot her career trajectory towards acting. The turning point in her career came when she was cast as Jaime Sommers in The Six Million Dollar Man, a role that eventually spun-off into The Bionic Woman series. Her portrayal of Jaime, a tennis pro turned bionic secret agent, earned her an Emmy Award in 1977 for Best Actress in a Dramatic Role, securing her position as a household name. In spite of her success in the action genre, Wagner's artistic range extends beyond just action-packed roles. She has proven herself in a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and romance, both on screen and on stage, amassing over 60 TV movies and mini-series credits to her name. Beyond her acting career, Wagner's endeavors also span into the realms of authorship, holistic health advocacy, and teaching. She authored The High Road to Health, a best-selling vegetarian lifestyle cookbook, and Lindsay Wagner's New Beauty: The Acupressure Facelift. A firm believer in the power of mind-body integration techniques, she conducts self-help workshops and retreats that promote personal growth and healing.
- The Incredible Hulk, Peyton Place, The Brothers FlubMary Loretta "Mariette" Hartley (born June 21, 1940) is an American Emmy Award winning character actress, and a founder of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
- All in the Family, America 2-Night, The Mothers-in-LawRob Reiner, born on March 6, 1947 in The Bronx, New York, has made a lasting impact on Hollywood as an acclaimed actor, director, and producer. He is the son of renowned comedian, Carl Reiner, who also paved the way in the entertainment industry as an actor and director, thereby providing Rob with his early introduction to showbiz. Rob's career began to flourish after starring in the ground-breaking television series All in the Family, where he played the role of Michael Stivic for which he received two Emmy Awards. Reiner transitioned into the world of film direction and production in the mid-1980s. His directorial debut was the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap which has since become a cult classic. Reiner then proved his versatility when he directed the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. The film was a major box office success and solidified Reiner's reputation as a capable director across different genres. Other notable films under Reiner's directorial banner include the critically acclaimed Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men. These films have not only proven to be commercially successful but also brought him recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Aside from his contributions to the silver screen, Reiner has been an active voice in political and social issues. He co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which was instrumental in overturning the anti-same-sex marriage Proposition 8 in California. Reiner's passion extends beyond filmmaking as he has also used his platform to advocate for various causes such as children's rights, environmental protection, and healthcare reform.
- Search for Tomorrow, The Secret Storm, MancusoRobert Loggia was an American actor and director, admired for his wide-ranging versatility in various acting roles. Born on January 3, 1930, in Staten Island, New York, he was of Italian heritage. His interest in journalism led him to study at the University of Missouri, but he eventually changed course to pursue acting after serving in the U.S. Army. Loggia's acting career spanned over six decades, where he was recognized for his exceptional ability to portray diverse characters, from mob bosses to law enforcement officers. He made his acting debut on Broadway in the mid-1950s and quickly transitioned into television, with notable roles in series like T.H.E. Cat and Mancuso, F.B.I. However, it was his work in movies that garnered him the greatest accolity, most notably his Oscar-nominated role in Jagged Edge (1985). Despite his success in dramatic roles, Loggia wasn't confined to one genre. He demonstrated his comedic prowess in films like Big (1988), where he played a toy company executive who dances on a giant piano with Tom Hanks. Throughout his career, Loggia collaborated with celebrated directors, including Brian De Palma in Scarface (1983) and Ridley Scott in Lost Highway (1997). He passed away in 2015, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of film and television.
- Hart to Hart, McMillan & Wife, BanacekStefanie Powers, born Stefanie Zofya Paul on November 2, 1942, is a celebrated American actress best known for her role as Jennifer Hart on the 1980s television series Hart to Hart. Raised in Hollywood, California, Powers began her acting career at just 15 years old. She was discovered by a talent agent while performing in a school production of "Romeo and Juliet," which catapulted her into the world of show business. Powers' early career was marked by appearances in popular television shows of the 1960s, such as Bonanza and The Mod Squad. However, it was her role in Hart to Hart, alongside actor Robert Wagner, that forever cemented her status in Hollywood. The series, which ran from 1979 to 1984, earned Powers multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. While she continued to work in film and television after Hart to Hart, the series remains one of her most notable works. Besides her acting career, Powers has also made impactful contributions to wildlife conservation efforts. Inspired by her late friend and fellow actor William Holden, she co-founded the William Holden Wildlife Foundation in 1982. The foundation focuses on education and outreach to promote wildlife conservation around the world. A woman of many talents, Powers has had an impressive run in the entertainment industry, and her passion for conservation has left a lasting impact on the world.
- Three's Company, Step by Step, Candid CameraSuzanne Somers, born as Suzanne Marie Mahoney on October 16, 1946, in San Bruno, California, is a multi-faceted personality etching her mark in various domains like acting, singing, authorship, and health advocacy. Raised in an Irish-American Catholic family, she faced numerous hardships including financial difficulties and her father's alcoholism. Despite the struggles, Somers managed to graduate from Capuchino High School and briefly attended San Francisco College for Women before embarking on her illustrious career. Somers' journey to fame began when she landed a role in the popular TV series Three's Company in 1977, where she portrayed the character Chrissy Snow. Her performance won her the hearts of many, making her a household name in America. However, her stint with the show ended abruptly in 1981 due to a contract dispute. Undeterred, she continued to showcase her talent in other television shows, films, and Broadway, including her own sitcom She's the Sheriff and hosting the talk show The Suzanne Show. In addition to her acting career, Somers has penned several best-selling books, primarily focusing on health and wellness. Her dedication towards promoting alternative medicine and diet plans established her as a prominent health spokesperson. She also launched a line of beauty and fitness products under her brand, thus proving her entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, Somers courageously battled breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 2000, and her survivor story has been an inspiration to many. Throughout her career, Suzanne Somers has demonstrated resilience, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of passion, making her a revered figure in the entertainment industry.
