Celebrity Info
Don Porter was a seasoned film and television character actor whose career stretched across decades, showcasing his talent in everything from minor roles in low-budget productions to standout appearances in major primetime series. Don Porter’s journey in Hollywood began in the 1940s, when he consistently appeared in dramatic films that, while not particularly memorable, helped lay the foundation for a lasting career. During this time, Don Porter married actress Peggy Converse in 1944, and the two remained together throughout their lives.
Though early roles in movies like Night Monster and Eyes of the Underworld didn’t make a huge splash, Don Porter found his stride when he transitioned to television in the early 1950s. It was then that he landed a breakout role as Peter Sands, the sharp and influential talent agent on the hit sitcom Private Secretary. His on-screen dynamic with Ann Sothern, who played his loyal secretary, was so well-received that when Sothern was given her own spin-off series in 1959, Don Porter returned to reprise his role, staying with the show for two additional seasons.
In 1963, Don Porter took on a different kind of fatherly figure, portraying the bemused dad of the free-spirited teen Gidget in Gidget Goes to Rome. The performance resonated with audiences, and later, Don Porter stepped back into the same role for the short-lived but beloved TV adaptation of the popular film franchise. As the decades rolled on, Don Porter continued to work steadily, appearing in a wide range of films and television shows throughout the 1970s.
One of his most notable performances came in 1972 with The Candidate, a political drama that delved into the corruption and futility often found in electoral politics. In the film, Don Porter delivered a compelling portrayal of a shrewd Republican Senator, adding depth and nuance to the story. Later, he showed his range by playing a warm-hearted judge in the Disney TV movie The Ghosts of Buxley Hall, and then flipped the script entirely as a cunning corporate CEO in the environmental thriller The Last Song.
Throughout it all, Don Porter remained a reliable and versatile presence on screen—someone who could bring gravitas, charm, or quiet humor with equal skill. Don Porter’s contributions to both film and television left a lasting mark, proving that even without constant headlines, a dedicated character actor can shape the landscape of entertainment in meaningful ways.
When it comes to Don Porter’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is The Candidate from 1972—it’s widely regarded as Don Porter’s highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have pointed to this political drama as a defining moment in his career. On the other end of the spectrum, Don Porter appeared in She-Wolf of London back in 1946, which tends to be viewed as his lowest rated movie. While the film has its niche audience, especially among classic horror enthusiasts, it hasn’t held up as strongly in reviews compared to his later work. So, when looking at Don Porter’s body of work, these two films represent the high and low points in terms of ratings. Don Porter clearly had a range, but The Candidate remains a highlight in Don Porter’s acting journey.
United States
