Who Is Ted Bessell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ted Bessell was born on March 20, 1935, and sadly passed away on October 6, 1996. Although he is no longer with us, his contributions to the entertainment industry, especially through his role as Donald Hollinger in the classic television series That Girl, continue to resonate with fans. Bessell was celebrated for his comedic timing and on-screen charm, making him a beloved figure in American television.
In 2025, his legacy remains intact, with numerous tributes and retrospectives highlighting his work. Bessell's impact on the television landscape and his ability to connect with audiences are often revisited during discussions of 20th-century television icons.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1935 |
| Age | 61 Years |
| Birth Place | Flushing, Queens, New York,, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 6 October, 1996 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles California, U.S. |
Popularity
Ted Bessell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Body Measurements: Bessell had a well-proportioned physique, but specific measurements are not widely documented. His appearance on screen often highlighted his charismatic presence and warm smile.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Ted Bessell was known for his private nature regarding personal relationships. He was never married, and details about his romantic life are sparse. However, he was romantically linked to a few notable figures in the entertainment industry during his career. His focus on his work and dedication to his craft often took precedence, leading to speculation about his relationships.
In 2025, fans continue to celebrate his legacy and remain curious about the love he may have experienced, as well as his close relationships with colleagues and friends in the industry.
Howard Weston "Ted" Bessell Jr. (March 20, 1935 – October 6, 1996) was an American television actor and director widely known for his role as Donald Hollinger, the boyfriend and eventual fiancé of Marlo Thomas's character in the TV series That Girl (1966–1971).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ted Bessell had an estimated net worth of around $2 million. His income primarily stemmed from his successful career as an actor and director, particularly in television. Given the changes in film and television over the decades, his earnings during his peak were substantial, allowing him to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
In 2025, tributes to his contributions to television also remind fans of how actors can sometimes have lasting impacts that extend beyond their net worth—Bessell's work certainly left a cultural imprint.
After attending Georgetown University and the University of Colorado, Bessell decided to focus on acting.
He studied with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse, studied dance and dramatic movement with Martha Graham and Louis Horst, was a member of a professional acting class under Meisner and worked with Wynn Handman in another professional acting group. He worked at ABC New York as a page (or usher) to supplement his income in the late 1950s.
Career, Business and Investments
Ted Bessell's career spanned several decades. He became well-known for his role in That Girl, but his extensive resume includes various guest roles and appearances in different television series. Beyond acting, he also ventured into directing, leading various productions to success.
Some of his notable works included directing episodes of popular shows in the 1980s and 1990s. Bessell was known for his keen eye for storytelling, which served him well in both acting and directing roles.
He appeared on such TV shows as Who Do You Trust? with Johnny Carson and The Dick Clark Show, a Saturday-night variety show featuring rock 'n roll stars. He directed and acted in stock where he appeared in a wide spectrum of theatre works ranging from Shakespeare to Jule Styne.
He then was cast in the off-Broadway production of The Power of Darkness, which led to further off-Broadway work with the Blackfriars Guild. He co-produced (with his brother, writer-director Frank Bessell) Joe Orton's Crimes of Passion, directed by Michael Kahn.
Social Network
In the age of social media, Ted Bessell's legacy is celebrated through various platforms. Although he did not live to witness the rise of social media, fans and organizations maintain active discussions about his work on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Tribute pages and fan accounts often share clips and memories of Bessell's performances, keeping his spirit alive in the digital age.
Education
Ted Bessell attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he honed his craft and developed a passion for performing arts. His education laid a strong foundation for his career, and it is recognized by many as a crucial part of his journey into television and film.
In 1962, he played 27-year-old college student Tom-Tom DeWitt on the short-lived television series It's a Man's World. In 1965, he appeared in an episode of 12 O'Clock High and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour episode, "Thou Still Unravished Bride", as Elliott. In 1965 to 1966, he was also regularly featured on Jim Nabors's Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. as Private Francis "Frankie" Lombardi.
