LLOYD BRIDGES

January 15, 1913

Lloyd Vernet Bridges Jr. was

born in San Leandro, California. His parents were both natives of Kansas, and of English ancestry. Bridges graduated from Petaluma High School in 1930. He then studied political science at UCLA.

He starred in a number of television series and appeared in more than 150 feature films. 

He made his screen debut with an uncredited role in Warner Bros.’ Freshman Love in 1936.

For Columbia Pictures he appeared in films such as Sahara (1943), A Walk in the Sun (1945), Little Big Horn (1951) and High Noon (1952). 

He made his television debut in June 1951 with an episode of “Bigelow Theatre” titled “Man’s First Debt.” 

On television, he starred in “Sea Hunt” from 1958 to 1961,

a series about a scuba diver which featured extensive underwater filming, so much so that his name become synonymous with underwater adventures. Bridges was seen in all 155 episodes of the CBS series. 

In this context he is mentioned in “Lucy and Viv Put In a Shower” (TLS S1;E18). When the water in the shower begins rising to shoulder level, Lucy says “Where’s Lloyd Bridges when you need him?”  

He was also mentioned in the same context in “Lucy Buys a Boat” (TLS S1;E30).

Lucy says she bought the boat with the hull in the water so she didn’t notice the poor shape it was in. She adds that she didn’t have Lloyd Bridges with her at the time!

In November 1959, he appeared on a “Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse” episode titled “Lepke” produced and introduced by Desi Arnaz. 

When Lucy Carter (and Lucille Ball) broke a leg in 1972, Bridges played a doctor on the Season 5 opener of “Here’s Lucy.” 

By the end of his career, he had re-invented himself and demonstrated a comedic talent in such parody films as Airplane! (1980), Hot Shots! (1991), and Jane Austen’s Mafia! (1998).

In December 1984, Bridges (above left) was present for “All-Star Party for Lucille Ball”. Bridges did not speak, but he was prominently featured on screen.  The following year, Bridges and Ball were two of the 100 stars in “Night of 100 Stars II” at Radio City Music Hall.  Bridges was also in attendance for Lucille Ball’s final screen appearance, at “The 61st Annual Academy Awards” in March 1989. 

Bridges final screen appearance (although not his last filmed) was Meeting Daddy, released in 2000. His final film, the comedy film Mafia! (1998), was dedicated to his memory.

Among other honors, Bridges was a two-time Emmy Award nominee. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 1, 1994.

He was the father of four children, including the actors Beau Bridges and Jeff Bridges.

On March 10, 1998, Bridges died of natural causes at the age of 85.