| Johnny Seven | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Anthony Fetto II February 23, 1926 Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Died | January 22, 2010 (age 83) Mission Hills, California United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Character Actor |
| Spouse | Edith Fetto |
Johnny Seven (February 23, 1926 – January 22, 2010) was a prolific American character actor who appeared in twenty-six films[1] and approximately six hundred television shows[1] during his career, which spanned more than forty years.[1][2] His credits including a recurring role as Lt. Carl Reese on the 1968-1975 NBC television series, Ironside, and the 1960 film The Apartment, directed by Billy Wilder.[1]
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Seven was born John Anthony Fetto II in Brooklyn, New York, on February 23, 1926.[1][2] His parents, who were Italian immigrants, had five other daughters in addition to him.[2] Fetto began acting and singing as a teenager.[2]
He served with the United States Army in the Philippines during World War II[2] and performed with the United Service Organizations (USO).[2] Fetto earned his nickname "Johnny Seven" while serving in the Army and kept it as his stage name following the end of the war.[2]
He began his acting career in New York City theater.[1]
He portrayed Karl Matuschka, the brother in-law of Shirley MacLaine's character, in the 1960 Billy Wilder film, The Apartment.[1] His other film credits include a small role in 1959's The Last Mile, Guns of the Timberland in 1960 and What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?, a 1968 comedy directed by Blake Edwards.[1] Seven co-wrote, produced, directed and starred in Navajo Run, his western indie film released in 1964.[1]
On television, Seven had a recurring role as Lt. Carl Reese in Ironside, a television series airing on NBC from 1968 until 1975.[1] He was later cast in Ironside's spin-off, Amy Prentiss.[2] His other television credits included roles on Bonanza, Gunsmoke, CHiPs, Naked City, The Phil Silvers Show, Batman, Death Valley Days, Peter Gunn, Charlie's Angels, The Untouchables and The Wild Wild West.[1][2]
In addition to his acting career, Seven also owned a real estate business in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.[2]
Johnny Seven died of complications from lung cancer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California on January 22, 2010, aged 83.[2][3] He was survived by his wife, Edith. The couple had been married for 60 years.[1] His memorial service was held at St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish in Granada Hills, California, on February 6, 2010.[1]