Thayer David

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Thayer David
Born	David Thayer Hersey March 4, 1927 Medford, Massachusetts
Died	July 17, 1978 New York
Spouse(s)	Valerie French (1969-1970s?)

Thayer David (born March 4, 1927 in Medford, Massachusetts – July 17, 1978 in New York City) was a film and television actor. Born David Thayer Hersey, he was best known for his works on the cult ABC serial Dark Shadows which aired from 1966-1971 and the movie Rocky in 1976. His most memorable film role was as Count Arne Saknussem in the film Journey to the Center of the Earth. He also played Dragon in The Eiger Sanction in 1975 with Clint Eastwood.

In 1977 Thayer David played the leading role in Paramount Television's made-for-TV movie, Nero Wolfe, based on the Rex Stout novel The Doorbell Rang. David portrayed the corpulent detective Nero Wolfe, who took on clients grudgingly and solved mysteries dazzlingly. Intended to be the pilot for a series, the film was shelved after David's death. It eventually aired on ABC TV in a late-night slot December 18–19, 1979. In 1981, Paramount's series with William Conrad began a 14-episode run on NBC.

Thayer David was married to and divorced from film and television actress Valerie French. He died from a heart attack at the age of 51. He and Miss French were planning to remarry before he died.