Hugh O’Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe in Rochester, NY, April 19, 1925 â September 5, 2016) was an American actor and humanitarian, best known for his starring roles in the ABC Western television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955â1961) and the NBC action television series Search (1972â1973). His notable films included the adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians (1965); he also had a notable supporting role in John Wayne’s last film, The Shootist (1976).
After the move to the Chicago area, Krampe and his family lived in Winnetka, Illinois, where he attended New Trier High School. He transferred to the Kemper Military School (now defunct) in Boonville, Missouri, where he lettered in football, basketball, wrestling, and track.
After one semester at the University of Cincinnati, Krampe in 1943 dropped out to enlist in the Marine Corps during World War II. At 17, he became the youngest Marine drill instructor on record. He served in the Corps until his discharge in 1947.
He was chosen to portray legendary lawman Wyatt Earp on the ABC Western series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, which debuted in 1955.
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