Ed Kemmer
In the golden age of science fiction broadcasting, few actors captured the imagination of audiences quite like Ed Kemmer. Best known for his iconic role as Commander Buzz Corry in the groundbreaking series Space Patrol, Kemmer became a quintessential hero of 1950s radio and television science fiction.
Early Life and Military Service
Born Edward William Kemmerer on October 29, 1921, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Kemmer's life was marked by adventure and resilience long before he became a television star. During World War II, he served as a P-51 fighter pilot, experiencing one of the most harrowing chapters of his life when he was shot down over France.
Captured by the Nazis, Kemmer spent 11 months in a prisoner of war camp, demonstrating remarkable courage by briefly escaping for two weeks before being recaptured. This experience of survival and determination would later inform his on-screen personas, particularly his portrayal of brave space explorers.
Rise to Stardom with Space Patrol
After the war, Kemmer pursued his passion for acting, studying at the Pasadena Playhouse. His breakthrough came with Space Patrol, a science fiction action-drama that aired on ABC Radio and ABC Television from 1951 to 1956.
As Commander Buzz Corry, Kemmer became a beloved figure among children and science fiction enthusiasts. He uniquely portrayed the character in both radio and television versions, a rare achievement that solidified his status as a pioneering sci-fi actor.
Diverse Television Career
Beyond Space Patrol, Kemmer established himself as a versatile television actor. He appeared in numerous prime-time series, including a memorable guest appearance on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. His television work spanned various genres, from westerns to dramatic series.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Kemmer became a familiar face in daytime television, securing roles in multiple soap operas. He played significant characters in shows like The Edge of Night, The Secret Storm, As the World Turns, and Somerset.
Personal Life and Legacy
Kemmer was married twice and had three children. His second marriage was to television actress Fran Sharon, whom he met while working on a soap opera. An interesting personal anecdote reveals that he even delivered his youngest daughter in the back of a taxicab.
On November 5, 2004, Kemmer suffered a stroke in New York City and passed away four days later, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in broadcasting.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- Space Patrol (Multiple episodes from 1953-1954)
- Roles included episodes like "Sea Monster of Planet X", "Revolt of the Space Rats", and "Venus Tulania Mystery"
Television
- Space Patrol (1951-1956) - Commander Buzz Corry
- The Clear Horizon (1960-1962) - Captain Roy Selby
- The Edge of Night (1964-1965) - Malcolm Thomas
- The Secret Storm (1965-1966) - Paul Britton
- As the World Turns (1966-1970, 1974-1978) - Attorney Dick Martin
- Somerset (1970-1974) - Ben Grant
Film
- Behind the High Wall (1956) - Charlie Rains
- Earth vs. the Spider (1958) - Professor Art Kingman
- Executive Action (1973) - Reporter
Ed Kemmer's career exemplified the dynamic and imaginative world of mid-20th century broadcasting, bridging the gap between radio and television while inspiring generations of science fiction fans.
