Emory Bass (born Emory P. Bass, Jr.; August 12, 1925 – March 4, 2015) was an American theater and television actor. His television career included guest roles on Hart to Hart, Dark Shadows, Mr. Belvedere, Murder, She Wrote, and Webster.[1][2] He also had a recurring role as Phipps in the ABC television series, Angie (1979–80).[2]
Bass was born in Valdosta, Georgia to Estelle (née Johnston) and Emory P. Bass, Sr.[1][3] He received a bachelor's degree in journalism.[where?] He then spent two years performing at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, after graduation before moving to New York City.[1]
Bass began his professional career as a cast member of a touring production of the play, Glad Tidings, starring Tallulah Bankhead. He and Bankhead remained lifelong friends after the tour.[1] Bass toured with the productions of Everybody Loves Opal, starring Nancy Walker; Time Out for Ginger, starring Art Carney; and Woman of the Year, starring Lauren Bacall.[1]
In New York City, Bass appeared on Broadway in The Teahouse of the August Moon, Pal Joey, Can-Can, and the 1973 revival of Irene, starring Debbie Reynolds.[1] Bass starred as James Wilson in both the original Broadway production of the musical, 1776, which opened in 1969, as well the 1972 film adaption, 1776.[1][2]
Bass appeared in a number of Off Broadway productions, including Bad Habits, By Jupiter, The Boys from Syracuse, and Lysistrata.[1] Outside the U.S., he starred in an overseas production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.[1] He was also the spokesperson and voice of the Discover Card's advertising campaign for three years.[1]
Emory Bass died in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles on March 4, 2015, aged 89.[1][2]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 1776 | Judge James Wilson (PA) | |
| 1978 | The Cheap Detective | Butler | |
| 1979 | Scavenger Hunt | Hotel Manager | |
| 1988 | 18 Again! | Art Teacher | |
| 1989 | Murphy's Laws of Golf | Salesman | Short Film; final film role |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970–1971 | Dark Shadows | Mr. Best / Minister / Opening Voiceover | 4 episodes |
| 1975 | Kojak | Stacowski | Episode: "Money Back Guarantee" |
| 1976 | The Tony Randall Show | Maitre D' | Episode: "Pilot" |
| 1977 | Mixed Nuts | Dr. Folder | TV movie |
| 1978 | A.E.S. Hudson Street | Oosterhazen | Episode: "In the Black" |
| 1979 | The Jeffersons | Clifford Wentworth | Episode: "Every Night Fever" |
| 1979 | Rendezvous Hotel | Edward Daley | TV movie |
| 1979–1980 | Angie | Phipps | 16 episodes |
| 1982 | Hart to Hart | Mr. Pond | Episode: "Hart of Diamonds" |
| 1982 | The Devlin Connection | Episode: "Ring of Kings, Ring of Thieves" | |
| 1982 | CBS Children's Mystery Theatre | Charles Edmund Emerson III | Episode: "The Zertigo Diamond Caper" |
| 1983 | Three's Company | Maitre D' | Episode: "Janet's Little Helper" |
| 1984 | Second Edition | TV movie | |
| 1984 | Three's a Crowd | Recital Host | Episode: "Vacation from Sex" |
| 1985 | Simon & Simon | Louis Boren | Episode: "Mummy Talks" |
| 1986 | Silver Spoons | Rupert Metcalf | Episode: "The Lady Is a Tramp" |
| 1986 | Dynasty | Clerk | Episode: "The Alarm" |
| 1986 | Webster | Butler Bob | Episode: "That's Rich" |
| 1987 | Brothers | Eric | Episode: "Man's Choice" |
| 1987–1990 | Murder, She Wrote | Jonathan Barish / Manager | 2 episodes |
| 1990 | Mr. Belvedere | Minister | Episode: "Mr. Belvedere's Wedding: Part 2" |
| 1991 | Father Dowling Mysteries | Auctioneer | Episode: "The Consulting Detective Mystery" |
| 1994 | Hart to Hart: Old Friends Never Die | TV movie; final role |
