Mantley, John, 1920-2003

John Mantley was born in Toronto, Canada on April 25, 1920, but he started his acting career in the United States. He studied at the Pasadena Playhouse and then played on stages from La Jolla, Calif. to New York City. He was also an author who later became a producer for television. His credits include executive producer of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Gunsmoke, How The West Was Won, and MacGyver. He died in Southern California on January 14, 2003.

Biography

There is little biographical information available about John Mantley. He was born in Toronto, Canada to actor parents. He attended St Catherine's Institute of Vocational School where he was active in sports and the drama society. He was later president of the Victoria Colledge Dramatic Society, which won several international competitions. He was trained as a fighter pilot during WWII and while on leave also produced shows for the British Armed Forces in the Far East. After the war, and following his goal to become and actor, he studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, and earned a master's degree. Although he planned to work for his cousin, Mary Pickford, circumstances brought him back to Canada where he started working in radio and where he earned provincial and national awards for acting and directing with the New Play Society. His credits include executive producer of the television series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Gunsmoke, How The West Was Won, and MacGyver .