Ted North

Ted North Jr.^[1] (born Edward Ernest Steinel) (November 3, 1916 – November 22, 1975) was an American film actor of the 1940s,^[2] sometimes credited as Michael North.

The grandson of a stock theater operator^[3] and son of tent show operator Ted North,^[1] he was born in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1939.^[1] North was studying law when he changed plans. A visit to Hollywood and a screen test arranged by Warner Baxter (a friend of North's father) led to his being cast in The Bride Wore Crutches. He said that he chose acting over being an attorney because "I saw so many young lawyers working for a dollar a day."^[3] North gained early acting experience in some of his father's stock productions.^[4] He appeared in several films including the films noir The Unsuspected and The Devil Thumbs a Ride (both 1947).

North's acting career was interrupted by three years' service in the Navy during World War II. After he returned to films, director Michael Curtis had North's first name from Ted to Michael, saying, "Ted sounds too much like a cowboy."^[5]

North was married to actress Mary Beth Hughes from 1943 until their divorce in 1947. They had one son. He married again in 1952.^[1]

After North left acting, he became an agent for entertainers, including Red Skelton, Milburn Stone, and Amanda Blake.^[1]

North died in Florida, aged 59.