Before embarking on his film and television career in 1961, Med Flory had already carved out a successful path as a talented musician, particularly known for his skills as a clarinetist and saxophonist. In the mid-1950s, he played with various bands in New York before eventually relocating to the West Coast. It was there that he later co-founded the jazz ensemble Supersax in the early 1970s, teaming up with Buddy Clark. The group drew major inspiration from Charlie Parker and left a strong impression on the jazz scene.
While Med Flory was active in both music and acting, his most consistent work came from television, especially in the Western genre. He became a familiar face on classic TV shows such as The Virginian, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza, where he portrayed the character Clint Rush. His film career, though not as extensive as his television work, began with a notable role in the Western Gun Street. Despite many of his film roles being minor or even uncredited, Flory remained active in movies well into the early 1980s.
Among his more memorable television roles, Flory portrayed Bingen in the adventure Western Daniel Boone, and took on multiple parts—including that of “Father”—in the beloved family series Lassie. These roles spanned from the mid-1960s through the early 1970s. In addition, Med Flory made appearances in a number of popular crime dramas over the years, starting with Perry Mason in the early 1960s, then Starsky and Hutch in the mid-1970s, and even an episode of Hunter in 1989.
Standing at six-foot-five, Flory brought his musical talents to Supersax, playing the alto saxophone. The group earned a jazz Grammy in 1973 and received another nomination two years later, cementing Med Flory’s legacy not only as a versatile actor but also as a respected figure in the world of jazz.
Med Flory’s most acclaimed movie is undoubtedly The Nutty Professor (1963), which stands out as his top-rated work in both film and music categories. On the other hand, his least favored piece is Hustle (1975), which holds the position of his lowest-rated movie. While Med Flory has been associated with a variety of films and musical projects throughout his career, these two titles represent the high and low points in terms of critical reception. It’s interesting to see how his involvement in different genres and roles has led to such a diverse range of responses from audiences and critics alike.