Andrew Duggan, a Midwesterner by birth and a long-time character actor, didn’t begin his acting career until after his service in World War II. During the war, he served under actor Melvin Douglas in the 40th Special Services Company, an experience that would later help shape his path in the entertainment industry. Upon returning home, Duggan crossed paths with Broadway director Daniel Mann, who encouraged him to try his hand at stage acting.
Inspired by Mann’s suggestion, Duggan started performing on stage during the late 1940s. He appeared in productions such as “Fragile Fox,” “The Rose Tattoo,” and “The Third Best Sport.” These early performances laid the foundation for what would become a long and successful career in both television and film.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Duggan began making guest appearances on various television series, slowly building his reputation as a reliable and versatile character actor. However, it wasn’t until 1959 that he landed his first starring role, portraying Cal Calhoun in the detective drama “Bourbon Street Beat.” This marked a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout the 1960s, Andrew Duggan continued to take on a variety of roles on television, including his memorable performance as George Rose on the sitcom “Room for One More.” Though the show was short-lived, it further solidified his presence on the small screen. He then moved into film, where he appeared in notable movies such as the family comedy “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and the espionage comedy “In Like Flint.”
As the 1960s came to a close and the 1970s began, Duggan remained active in television, often appearing in western series. Among his roles during this time was a recurring part on the “Bonanza” spinoff “Lancer” in 1968. Ever versatile, he also lent his voice to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, a theme park attraction that showcased his range beyond on-screen performances.
Andrew Duggan remained a familiar face in television and film until his passing at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and craftsmanship in the world of entertainment.
Andrew Duggan’s most acclaimed film is The Bravados (1958), which stands out as his highest-rated performance. On the other hand, his role in Doctor Detroit (1983) is often regarded as his least successful work, receiving much lower reviews. While he has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, these two movies—The Bravados and Doctor Detroit—represent the extremes of his filmography in terms of critical reception.