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Celebrity Info

Lane Bradford

Actor Movie Television

Interests

TV

Characteristics

Practical Analytical Hardworking Loyal Kind Detail-Oriented Diligent

OverView

Country
Born
1922-08-29
Zodiac Sign

MiniBio

For over three decades, you couldn’t turn on a TV or walk into a movie theater without running into Lane Bradford. Lane Bradford was everywhere—his rugged face popping up in nearly 300 films and television episodes, with a strong focus on Westerns and family-friendly adventure series that captured the imagination of post-war audiences. Born into Hollywood legacy as the son of actor John Merton, who himself was no stranger to the spotlight, Lane Bradford began his journey in the 1940s with modest roles in B-movie Westerns. You’d catch him in flicks like Shadow Valley, featuring country crooner-turned-cowboy Eddie Dean, or in Death Valley Gunfighter—roles that often bore generic credits like “Henchman” or “Cowhand,” sometimes lasting just a scene or two.

But Lane Bradford didn’t stay in the background for long. By the 1950s, he started showing more range, stepping into sci-fi and monster flicks that were all the rage at the time. He played a heroic figure in The Invisible Monster, using his commanding presence to good effect, while flipping the script entirely as a treacherous scientist secretly working with Martian invaders in Zombies of the Stratosphere. Talk about range—Lane Bradford could go from saving the world to plotting its downfall, all in a matter of months.

As Westerns made their big move from cinema screens to living rooms across America, Lane Bradford moved right along with them. He became a familiar face in nearly every major Western series of the era. Whether it was Gunsmoke, The Lone Ranger, or Maverick, if there was a shady outlaw or a scheming villain needed, chances are Lane Bradford was cast. His characters weren’t exactly the kind you’d invite to dinner—more the type you’d lock your doors for—but they added grit and authenticity to the genre.

And yet, Lane Bradford wasn’t just limited to playing the bad guy. He also took on supporting roles in beloved family shows, proving he had versatility beyond the holster and the six-shooter. He popped up in episodes of Lassie, that heartwarming series about a loyal collie and her adventures in a quiet farming community, and even appeared in The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, another dog-centered show set against the backdrop of an Arizona military post. So while many remembered Lane Bradford for his menacing glares and villainous roles, others knew him as the dependable character actor who could fit into any scene, any genre, and make it feel real. All in all, Lane Bradford left a mark—not always flashy, but undeniably present throughout a golden era of American television and film.

Trivia

When it comes to Lane Bradford’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical reception is The Slender Thread from 1965—it’s widely regarded as Lane Bradford’s highest rated movie. Fans and critics alike have often pointed to this film as a highlight in his career. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, A Distant Trumpet (1964) tends to receive less favorable reviews, making it Lane Bradford’s lowest rated movie. While opinions can vary, these two films mark the peaks and valleys of Lane Bradford’s cinematic journey. Overall, Lane Bradford’s work spans a range of genres and eras, but those two titles consistently come up when discussing his most and least acclaimed performances.