ACTOR · BORN 1922 · DIED 2016
William Schallert
- Born
- 6 July 1922, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Died
- 8 May 2016
- Known for
- Gremlins (1984), How I Met Your Mother (2005), Singin' in the Rain (1952), True Blood (2008)
26 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (26)
- #001
Schallert said that although he appeared in countless film and television productions over his career, the role that brought him the most recognition was Federation Undersecretary of Agriculture Nilz Baris in the 1967 Star Trek episode 'The Trouble with Tribbles', from the 1966 series. The episode is regarded as one of the most beloved and best-remembered in the Star Trek universe, and Schallert's performance is still fondly remembered by fans of the series. Nilz Baris stands out as a bureaucratic figure at the center of the chaos caused by the cute creatures known as tribbles.
- #002
In high school, Schallert was educated at the same school as Alan Hale Jr., Nanette Fabray and Mickey Rooney, who would later become major Hollywood names. The trio became well-known faces in television and film, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Schallert's presence at the same school as these figures during the same period shows that he grew up from a young age in a circle close to the entertainment industry. This experience may have laid the groundwork for his later acting career.
- #003
Schallert died just one month after the death of Patty Duke, known as his daughter on screen. The two played father and daughter on The Patty Duke Show and formed a close relationship through it. Both also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG); Schallert held the post between 1979 and 1981, and Duke between 1985 and 1988. These shared traits strengthened the bond between them.
- #004
Beyond acting, Schallert also displayed his talents as a composer, pianist and singer. This versatility allowed him to make his mark in different areas of the arts. His interest in music may have given him an advantage in various projects throughout his career. He used these talents especially in his theater and television work.
- #005
The character Martin Lane, whom Schallert played on The Patty Duke Show (1963), ranked 39th on TV Guide's list of the '50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time', published in the magazine's June 20, 2004 issue. The list ranked the most unforgettable father figures in television history, and Martin Lane earned that honor through Schallert's performance. This shows how impressive a father figure he could create as a character actor.
- #006
Schallert appeared in three different versions of The Twilight Zone, one of the major productions of the science fiction and fantasy genre. He first appeared in the original series' episode 'Mr. Bevis' in 1960, then in the 1983 film Twilight Zone: The Movie and in the 'Shadow Play' episode of the revival series that began in 1985. His presence in all three productions strengthened his connection to this legendary series.
- #007
Along with Warren Kenner, Schallert is one of only two actors who appeared in both the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night and the television series of the same name that began in 1988. This is an interesting detail showing how long and varied his career was. He won praise for his performance in the first film and later returned in the series as a different character.
- #008
Schallert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) between 1979 and 1981. SAG is an important union that protects the rights of actors in the United States and aims to improve their working conditions. This post earned him respect not only as an actor but also as a leading figure in the industry. During his presidency he fought for the rights of actors.
- #009
Schallert formed a close friendship with Patty Duke, with whom he worked on The Patty Duke Show. This friendship continued off set and created a strong bond between the two. Duke died shortly before Schallert's death, which shows how deep the relationship between the two was. Schallert saw Duke both as a colleague and as a close friend.
- #010
In the 1940s, Schallert was a member of the theater company The Group Theatre in Los Angeles. The company was known as the West Coast version of The Actor's Studio in New York and was an important center for acting training. There he took the stage in W. Somerset Maugham's play 'Rain', directed by the famous director Charles Chaplin. This experience helped lay the foundations of his acting career.
- #011
In 1971, Schallert was awarded an OBIE Award for his performance in the play 'The Trial of Catonsville Nine', staged off-Broadway in New York. The OBIE Awards are a prestigious prize given to actors for outstanding performances in off-Broadway theaters. This award confirmed his talent and success in the theater. The play deals with a protest against the Vietnam War.
- #012
For many years, Schallert did voice work in television commercials for the Oscar Meyer brand. He also worked as a skilled voice-over announcer for many different products. In this way he became a voice familiar to television viewers. His voice-over career was as successful and wide-ranging as his acting career.
- #013
Schallert is remembered, along with legendary Hollywood names such as Norman Lloyd, Dick Van Dyke, Ernest Borgnine, Mickey Rooney, Betty White, Angela Lansbury, Charlotte Rae and Larry Hagman, as one of the stars who never retired from acting. These figures continued to act actively until the end of their lives. Schallert carried on this tradition as well, appearing in various projects until 2014.
- #014
Schallert appeared in five different films or television films directed by the famous director Joe Dante: Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), Gremlins (1984), Innerspace (1987), Matinee (1993) and The Second Civil War (1997). These collaborations show how well he fit into Dante's creative world. Dante's films generally contain dark humor and fantastical elements, and Schallert brought unforgettable characters to life in these productions.
- #015
After his death in 2016, Schallert was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea. This may have been carried out in accordance with his wishes. Scattering at sea can be seen as a farewell reflecting his love of nature and his free spirit. His family and loved ones wished to remember him in this way.
- #016
In the 1980s, Schallert served as a popular spokesman for the Michigan-based pharmacy chain Arbor Drugs Pharmacy. During this period he appeared in television commercials and promotional campaigns, raising the brand's profile. Schallert's warm and reassuring manner made him a fitting profile for such advertising roles.
- #017
Schallert appeared alongside Harry Hamlin in the premiere of the play 'House', staged at the Falcon Theatre in Los Angeles. The play was received with interest by theatergoers and made an important contribution to Schallert's theater career. His chemistry with Harry Hamlin was a factor in the play's success.
- #018
Schallert gave an interview in Tom Weaver's book 'They Fought in the Creature Features', published in 1995. The book contains interviews with actors who appeared in creature films in the 1950s and 1960s. Schallert's inclusion in the book allowed him to share his experiences and memories of such films.
- #019
Schallert lived in his home in Pacific Palisades, just around the corner from Mel Blanc's and Walter Matthau's houses on Toyopa Drive. These three names were neighbors in the same neighborhood as important Hollywood figures. Schallert's living in close proximity to these names shows how strong his connections in the industry were.
- #020
By appearing in The Trouble with Tribbles (1967) and Innerspace (1987), Schallert became one of two actors who appeared both in outer space and in inner space (inside the human body). The other actor is Robert Picardo. This interesting coincidence shows how varied and unusual the projects of his career were.
- #021
Over a career spanning 1947 to 2014, Schallert appeared in nearly 400 productions, making him one of Hollywood's longest-lasting character actors. He successfully portrayed a wide range of characters, from simple peasants to wise father figures to white-collar villains. This diversity demonstrates the breadth of his acting ability.
- #022
Throughout his life, Schallert was a Democratic Party supporter with liberal views. This political stance reflected his sensitivity to social issues and his commitment to progressive values. As an actor, he also voiced these views on various platforms.
- #023
Schallert is the only actor to appear in all three of The Twilight Zone (1959), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) and The Twilight Zone (1985). This shows his special connection to the legendary series. Appearing in three different versions across three different eras proves how long and varied his career was.
- #024
In 1942, while a student at UCLA, Schallert appeared in the university's yearbook, Southern Campus, as one of the copy editors of the student newspaper the Daily Bruin. This shows his interest in print media and communication from a young age. The experience may have given him a different perspective in his later career.
- #025
The character Schallert played in the 14th episode of the 6th season of Medium died at the age of 93. That age is the same as Schallert's when he died in 2016. This coincidence shows that in one of his later performances he played a character close to his own age.
- #026
In 1943, Schallert appeared in the UCLA yearbook The Southern Campus as an ROTC Infantry officer. During this period he appeared alongside Lynn 'Buck' Compton and Bill Littlefield, who would later join the Alamo Scouts. This military training experience shows that he had a disciplined nature in his youth.
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