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

9 Interesting Facts About William Schallert

1. #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.

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2. #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.

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3. #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.

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4. #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.

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5. #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.

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6. #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.

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7. #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.

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8. #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.

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9. #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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