BEVERLY HILLS — Veteran producer Arthur Gardner, who joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences more than five decades ago, has died. He was 104. MSTies got a glimpse of him in a small, uncredited acting role as a dancer in the movie in episode 702- THE BRUTE MAN.He died Dec. 19 at the Sunrise Beverly Hills Assisted Living. Gardner was perhaps best known for producing the 1950s Western television series “The Rifleman.”
Gardner came to Los Angeles from his native Wisconsin in 1929, when he was 18, and enjoyed an early role in “All Quiet on the Western Front.” During World War II, he served in the Army’s motion picture unit, where he made educational films working for the likes of Capt. Ronald Reagan, Capt. Clark Gable and Lt. William Holden.
Gardner was believed to be the oldest known voting member of the Academy, voting until he was 100. And he was certainly the oldest living MSTory person, and the oldest one altogether that we know of.
Thanks to Duane for the heads up.
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Wow- today I will mourn.
He produced Sterling Archer’s favorite movie: Burt Reynolds’ Gator.
I can’t feel sad about a man dying at 104. Respectful, appreciative, sure. Maybe envious. That is a life well-lived right there.
Okay… so I’m not middle age afterall. Arthur, thank you for that.
RIP
Man… now THERE is a long, well lived life. Rest in peace…
My mom and I are BIG fans of The Rifleman. Such a great show…
I wonder when that photo was taken? Even if it was taken in the past 15 years, he still looks to be a man half his age.
RIP Arthur, I just heard a bell ring perhaps Arthur earned his wings.