The Story Of Frank Sutton. Sgt. Carter On Gomer Pyle USMC

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Frank Sutton. 1923-1974.

Sgt. Vince Carter.

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Blog Created: 12-2-2024

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Frank Spencer Sutton (October 23, 1923 – June 28, 1974) was an American actor best remembered for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on the CBS television series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C..

Early life ~

Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, Sutton developed an interest in acting, playing his first role at age nine and also starring in the drama club at East Nashville High School, where he graduated in 1941. He later said, "The first time I walked out on a stage, I had a warm feeling. I knew then I wanted to be an actor."

After high school, Sutton returned to Clarksville to become a radio announcer. During World War II, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Marine Corps, but he was medically rejected due to his color blindness. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific, taking part in 14 assault landings. Sutton was a sergeant who served from 1943 to 1946 in the 293rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Acting career ~

Honorably discharged after the war as a sergeant, he began acting on stage. He attended the Columbia University School of General Studies, graduating cum laude with a bachelor's degree in drama in 1952.

Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Sutton played small roles in television shows such as Decoy, Route 66, Naked City, The Greatest Show on Earth, The Fugitive, The Goldbergs, 87th Precinct, Gunsmoke, Target: The Corruptors, Empire, The Twilight Zone, and The Untouchables. He had a continuing role as Cadet Eric Rattison, the great rival of the Polaris Unit manned by the series' heroes, in Tom Corbett, Space Cadet from 1950 to 1955. In 1955, he received his big break in the Academy Award-winning movie Marty, in which he played the title character's friend, Ralph. He also had a role in The Satan Bug, a 1965 spy thriller. He returned to the stage in The Andersonville Trial in the early 1960s.

THE UNTOUCHABLES - 'The Butcher's Boy' which aired on March 12, 1963. Francine York, Frank Sutton.

RUTH BUZZIE and FRANK SUTTON in LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - 'Love and the Haunted House' - Airdate November 6, 1970.

Having primarily acted in dramas, Sutton's breakthrough role was on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., a 1964 episode of The Andy Griffith Show, in which he played the cynical and easily exasperated Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter opposite Jim Nabors' character Gomer Pyle. This episode was the pilot for a spin-off TV comedy, Gomer Pyle, USMC, where Sutton continued the role for five seasons, until the show ended its run in 1969. He also appeared in public service announcements in the role of Gunnery Sergeant Carter. After Gomer Pyle ceased production, Sutton appeared regularly on Nabors' variety show The Jim Nabors Hour with Gomer Pyle co-star Ronnie Schell. Sutton played the brother-in-law of Nabors' character in comedy sketches. Sutton performed in dinner theater, playing, among other roles, the father in Norman, Is That You? and made guest appearances on other television programs.

Frank Sutton with Jim Nabors in Gomer Pyle USMC.

Ronnie Schell.

Personal life and death ~

In 1946, Sutton married soap-opera writer Toby M. Igler, with whom he had two children, Joe Sutton and Amanda.

On June 28, 1974, while preparing for a performance in the comedy play Luv at the Beverly Barn Dinner Playhouse in Shreveport, Louisiana, Sutton died of a heart attack. He is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in his hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee.

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Frank Sutton with his dry cleaning. 1967.

Sutton in Washington DC.

Frank Sutton, (lower right), with other cast members of the show, Gomer Pyle USMC.

Toby Matilda Igler Sutton. Class of 1945. Frank's wife.

Frank Sims Sutton. Frank Sutton's father.

Frank with his children.

Frank with his son, Joe.

Frank Sutton's children, Joe and Amanda.

Frank and son, Joe in good times.

Gomer Pyle arrives at Camp Henderson to start Basic Training and meets Sgt. Carter.

Filming was done at the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, California – pictured in the photograph from left to right: Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors); USMC Representative / MCRD Technical On-Site Advisor (Drill Instructor Edwin J. Kues, USMC); and, Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter (Frank Sutton). This photo was taken in between filming of the comedy production at MCRD San Diego, California in 1964.

During a break while filming the pilot episode. Jim Nabors, Andy Griffith and Frank Sutton, (seated).

On lunch break from filming, cast member Ronnie Schell has lunch with Jim Nabors and crew members.

Barbara Stuart with Frank Sutton and Jim Nabors. 1965.

Frank Sutton, Carol Burnett and Jim Nabors on Gomer Pyle USMC in 1969.

Frank Sutton, Frances Bavier. Aunt Bee came to visit Gomer.

Mayberry Shariff Andy Taylor and son Opie also came to visit.

1964, CID Credentials. Actor's prop from the show.

Ellen Corby was another guest star on the show. She later starred as the grandmother on the Waltons.

Rob Reiner as a new recruit and Frank Sutton. 1966.

Sutton & Nabors In 'Gomer Pyle, USMC' 1968.

Nabors and Sutton did a commercial together for the show.

Sutton and Nabors in Gomer Pyle premiere, 1964.

Filming location at 40-Acres backlot. Camp Henderson set is at top left.. It was a short distance from the sets of Hogan's Heroes and the Andy Griffith Show's Mayberry.