Scott Beach
Born
Alvin Scott Beach

(1931-01-13)January 13, 1931
DiedFebruary 13, 1996(1996-02-13) (aged 65)
Occupation(s)Actor, writer, DJ
Years active1964–1994
SpouseNeva Beach
Children2

Scott Beach (January 13, 1931 February 13, 1996) was an American actor, writer and DJ, best known for his performance in the 1960s-themed 1973 film American Graffiti.

Life and career

Born Alvin Scott Beach, he appeared in numerous motion pictures, most notably as a German scientist patterned after Wernher von Braun in The Right Stuff. His deep voice was often heard in films. He once said that director George Lucas liked his voice and often used him in his films, beginning with THX 1138.[1] Beach also appeared as Mr. Gordon in American Graffiti and provided an uncredited stormtrooper voice in Star Wars.

Beach was an early and beloved performer at the original Renaissance Pleasure Faires in Agoura and Novato, California, where for many years he portrayed the Lord Mayor of the Shire and was a mentor and an inspiration to many aspiring actors. Along with his acting career, Beach was a natural for radio and was on the staff of KSFO in San Francisco, California. During a radio broadcast on January 28, 1973, he reported that the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet Nam had been signed on the previous day in Paris, France. That agreement, also known as the Paris Peace Accords, ended direct U.S. military involvement in the Viet Nam War. Beach concluded his report about the peace agreement by stating, "I fear that the last U.S. soldier to die in Vietnam is still alive." He was correct; the last American death in Viet Nam was not until April 29, 1975. See McMahon and Judge.

Beach twice served as the narrator in performances of Arthur Honegger's King David with the Masterworks Chorale of San Mateo, California. He also narrated other performances of the oratorio in both the original French and the English translation used by the Masterworks Chorale. He was the host of the San Francisco Opera broadcasts over KKHI during the early 1970s.[2] Beach also provided the voice of the comic strip cat Garfield in the character's first television appearance in the 1980 anthology special The Fantastic Funnies; he was later replaced in that role by Lorenzo Music.

Personal life

Beach was married to Neva Beach, together they had two children; Dylan and Sarah.[3] They both voiced Charlie Brown and Lucy Van Pelt (respectively) in It's Arbor Day, Charlie Brown.

Death

Beach died on February 13, 1996, at the California Pacific Medical Center at the age of 65.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1964Too Tough to CareRamshawEducational short film
1968 Bullitt Man Uncredited
1969 The Shepherd Narrator Short Film
1970 The Miller's Tale Narrator (voice) Short Film
1971 THX 1138 Announcer (voice)
1972 One is a Lonely Number Frawley King Credited as A. Scott Beach
1973 American Graffiti Mr. Gordon
1973 Bizarre Devices Radio Host
1974 The Second Coming of Suzanne Reporter
1975 The Grizzly & the Treasure Narrator (voice) Uncredited
1977 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Stormtrooper (voice) Uncredited
1980 Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) Waiter / Baron / Driver / Tennis Announcer / English Voice / American Male (voice)
1981 Chu Chu and the Philly Flash Harry
1982 Out Sailor
1983 The Right Stuff Chief Scientist
1983 To Be or Not to Be Narrator
1986 Stand by Me Mayor Grundy
1988 Tucker: The Man and His Dream Floyd Cerf
1993 Mrs. Doubtfire Judge
1994 Getting Even with Dad Wino

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1979 You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown Announcer (voice) TV movie
1980 She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown Coach / Announcer (voice) TV movie
1986 Blacke's Magic Pemberton Episode: "Breathing Room (Pilot)
1990 Midnight Caller Vinnie Delano Episode: "Three for the Money"

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
1994 Psychic Detective Drunk Inmate

References

  1. Interview with Scott Beach
  2. Eyewitness account by Robert E. Nylund, member of Masterworks Chorale, 1970-85.
  3. 1 2 Taylor, Michael (February 14, 1996). "Scott Beach -- S.F. Radio Commentator, Actor, Bon Vivant". SF Gate.
  4. Caen, Herb. "HERB CAEN -- Once Upon a Deadline". SFGATE. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  5. Caen, Herb. "HERB CAEN -- What Is This Thing Called?". SFGATE. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  6. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Committee-Of-One-Larry-Hankin-co-founder-of-2984589.php
  7. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/carroll/articleg/JON-CARROLL-Keeping-Up-With-the-News-3331324.php
  8. https://www.sfchronicle.com/thetake/article/When-2-mimes-had-a-resounding-wedding-in-Union-12367228.php
  9. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/the-voice-stilled-scott-beach-dies-3158515.php
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