Frank Sutton Biography: Wife, Children, Age, Death, Net Worth, Height, Parents, TV Shows, Movies

Frank Spencer Sutton, known professionally as Frank Sutton, was an American actor and television personality celebrated for his iconic role as Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on the CBS sitcom Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964–1969).

With a career spanning theater, film, and television, Sutton’s commanding presence and comedic talent made him a beloved figure in mid-20th-century American entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Frank Spencer Sutton
• Stage Name: Frank Sutton
• Born: 23, October 1923
• Date of Death: June 28, 1974 (Aged: 50 years old)
• Birthplace: Clarksville, Tennessee, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Television Personality
• Height: 1.73m
• Parents: Frank Sims Sutton, Thelma Sutton
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Toby Igler (m. 1949)
• Children: Joseph David Sutton, Amanda Lee Sutton
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Frank Spencer Sutton arrived on October 23, 1923, in Clarksville, Tennessee, to Frank Sims Sutton, a linotypist for The Leaf Chronicle, and Thelma Sutton, a homemaker.

As an only child, he developed a close bond with his parents in their small-town community.

He attended Clarksville High School, where he began acting in school plays, and later enrolled at Columbia University in New York City, studying drama.

His education was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Sutton identified as American with no publicly disclosed details about his ethnicity or religious beliefs.

Career

Frank Sutton began his acting career in the late 1940s, performing in regional theater and making his Broadway debut in The Moon Besieged (1960).

After his military service, he transitioned to television, landing early roles in anthology series like Studio One and The Philco Television Playhouse.

His film debut came with Marty (1955), but his breakthrough arrived with Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964–1969), where his portrayal of the tough yet lovable Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter opposite Jim Nabors earned widespread acclaim and made the show a hit.

Sutton’s success on Gomer Pyle led to roles in films such as The Satan Bug (1965) and The Sand Pebbles (1966), showcasing his ability to handle both dramatic and comedic parts.

He appeared in numerous television shows, including The Twilight Zone (1960), The Untouchables (1961), and Gunsmoke (1962), demonstrating his versatility.

His stage work continued with performances in plays like Take Me Along (1959), balancing his television and theater commitments with a distinctive intensity that captivated audiences.

Sutton’s legacy endures through his memorable performances, particularly as Sergeant Carter, which remains a cultural touchstone in American television.

His final role was in the film The Devil’s Brigade (1968), and he continued performing in theater until his sudden death in 1974.

His contributions to sitcoms and character acting influenced future generations of actors, and his work in Gomer Pyle remains widely syndicated, preserving his impact in the entertainment industry.

Social Media

Frank Spencer Sutton does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Frank Sutton married Toby Igler, whom he met while studying at Columbia University, in 1949.

The couple welcomed two children: Joseph David Sutton and Amanda Lee Sutton.

Sutton maintained a private life, focusing on his family and career while residing in Los Angeles.

Known for his dedication to acting, he enjoyed theater and was actively involved in community arts.

Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack on June 28, 1974, while preparing for a stage performance in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Filmography

• Marty (1955)
• The Satan Bug (1965)
• The Sand Pebbles (1966)
• The Devil’s Brigade (1968)

Net Worth

Frank Sutton amassed an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in 1974.

His primary sources of income included his starring role in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., which earned significant syndication royalties, as well as his work in films, television guest roles, and Broadway productions.