James Jeter, also known and credited as James Jeeter, (September 15, 1921[1] – March 4, 2007) was an American film, stage, and television actor. He was known for playing the recurring role of blacksmith Hans Dorfler in the American historical drama television series Little House on the Prairie.[2]

James Jeter
James Jeter in Assault on Precinct 13 1976
Born(1921-09-15)September 15, 1921
DiedMarch 4, 2007(2007-03-04) (aged 85)
Other namesJames Jeeter
Occupation(s)Film, stage and television actor
Years active1961–1993

Life and career

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Jeter was born in Star, Texas.[3] He began his career on stage, performing at the Alley Theatre.[3] Jeter made his film debut with an uncredited appearance in the 1964 film The Best Man. He next appeared in the film Kiss Me, Stupid.[4]

Jeter appeared in the 1966 film The Sand Pebbles, in the role of Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Farren.[1][5] He then appeared in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke.[1]

Jeter guest-starred in television programs, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Death Valley Days, The Waltons, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rawhide, Emergency!, The Rockford Files, Knots Landing, M*A*S*H, Land of the Giants, and The Wild Wild West.[2] He also played the recurring role of "Smitty" in the drama television series Delvecchio, and as the blacksmith Hans Dorfler in Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1980.[2]

Jeter appeared in films such as F.I.S.T., The Border, Assault on Precinct 13, Hang 'Em High, Fun with Dick and Jane, The Four Deuces, Ice Station Zebra, A Change of Seasons, The Hollywood Knights, Blow Out, The Christian Licorice Store, and Fast Break.[1][2] In 1985, Jeter played the lead role at the Geva Theatre Center in the play All My Sons, replacing Gerald Richards, who had been hospitalised.[6] His final credit was for the 1993 film A Perfect World.[1] Jeter worked as a lawyer in California.[7]

Death

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Jeter died in March 2007 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 85.[2]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1964 The Best Man Mayor Uncredited
1964 Kiss Me, Stupid Waiter at Desert Sands Uncredited
1966 The Chase Man Uncredited
1966 The Sand Pebbles Farren
1967 The Big Mouth Police Lieutenant Uncredited
1967 Cool Hand Luke Wickerman Uncredited
1968 Hang 'Em High Wagon Driver Uncredited
1968 Ice Station Zebra 2nd Barman Uncredited
1971 The Christian Licorice Store Texas Man
1973 Oklahoma Crude Stapp
1975 The Four Deuces Capt. 'Smitty' Baird
1976 The Big Bus Bus Bartender
1976 Assault on Precinct 13 Precinct Captain Uncredited
1976 Bound for Glory Crippled Whitey - Hobo (on train)
1977 Fun with Dick and Jane Immigration Officer
1977 Black Sunday Watchman
1978 F.I.S.T. Mike Quinn
1978 Matilda ASPCA Attendant #3
1979 Fast Break Officer Hedgewood
1979 The Last Word Desk Sergeant
1980 The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle Martin Bormann Uncredited
1980 The Hollywood Knights Smitty
1980 A Change of Seasons Truck Driver
1981 Blow Out Film Lab Man
1982 The Border Frank
1988 Cohen and Tate Trooper #1
1993 A Perfect World Oldtimer

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "James Jeter". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e Lentz, Harris (May 20, 2008). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2007. McFarland. pp. 182–183. ISBN 9780786434817 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ a b "Jim Jeter Addresses Decora Club". Victoria Advocate. Victoria, Texas. March 29, 1961. p. 3. Retrieved June 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  4. ^ Tucker, Fredrick (November 15, 2021). Sweet Oddball – The Story of Alice Pearce. BearManor Media. p. 739. ISBN 9781629337364 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ O'Shea, Mick (August 3, 2018). The Sex Pistols Invade America: The Fateful U.S. Tour, January 1978. McFarland. p. 176. ISBN 9781476631844 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ Garner, Jack (January 29, 1985). "'All My Sons' to resume run with new actor". Democrat and Chronicle. Rochester, New York. p. 7. Retrieved June 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
  7. ^ "All My Stepsons: GeVa gets veteran of TV film to step in for ailing 'dad'". Democrat and Chronicle. Rochester, New York. January 31, 1985. p. 14. Retrieved June 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.  
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