Born Name:  Kenneth Ronald Berry

Born Date:  November 3, 1933

Born Place:  Moline, Illinois

Died Date:  December 1, 2018

Died Place:  Burbank, California

Occupations:  Actor, comedian dancer, singer

Brief Biography:  Kenneth Ronald Berry was a beloved American actor, comedian, dancer, and singer, best recognized for his affable, earnest roles in classic television sitcoms. He rose to national prominence as the bumbling Captain Wilton Parmenter on F Troop (1965–1967) before taking over the lead in the Andy Griffith Show spinoff, Mayberry R.F.D. (1968–1971), as widowed farmer Sam Jones. Later in his career, he became iconic to a new generation as Vinton Harper, the dim-witted son on Mama’s Family (1983–1990).

Early Life and Military Career:
Berry was inspired to become a "song-and-dance man" at age 12 after watching a school dance performance. By 15, he was touring with the Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served in Special Services under Sergeant Leonard Nimoy. It was Nimoy who recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue acting in Hollywood.

Television and Film Success:
Berry's background as a skilled tap dancer frequently informed his physical comedy, leading to numerous guest spots on The Carol Burnett Show and hosting his own summer variety series, The Ken Berry "Wow" Show in 1972. He also found success as a Disney star, headlining films such as:
Herbie Rides Again (1974) as Willoughby Whitfield
The Cat from Outer Space (1978) as Dr. Frank Wilson
An avid enthusiast of "anything with wheels," he spent his leisure time riding motorcycles and maintaining a 1966 Mini Moke.