John Litel

Who was John Litel?

John Litel was an American film and television actor.

During World War I, Litel enlisted in the French Army and was twice decorated for bravery.

Back in the U.S. after the war, Litel enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began his stage career. In 1929, he started appearing in films. Part of the "Warner Bros. Stock Company" beginning in the 1930s, he appeared in dozens of Warner Bros. films. He often played supporting roles such as hard-nosed cops, district attorneys, etc. He appeared in over 200 films, including They Drive by Night, Knute Rockne, All American, They Died with Their Boots On, Scaramouche, and his final film role in Nevada Smith.

From 1960 to 1961, he was cast as Dan Murchison in nine episodes of the ABC western television series, Stagecoach West, starring Wayne Rogers and Robert Bray.

He appeared in many other series as well, including the role of Captain David Rowland in the episode "Don't Get Tough with a Sailor" on the ABC/Desilu western series, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, starring Hugh O'Brian.