Russ Conway (actor)

Russ Conway (April 25, 1913 – January 12, 2009) was a Canadian-American actor and he is best known for playing Fenton Hardy, the father of The Hardy Boys in the 1956-7 The Mickey Mouse Club serial.

Early years
He was born Russell Zink. Conway graduated from UCLA in 1937, and later earned a master’s in theater arts and a teaching credential from UCLA. During World War II, Conway was in an Army special services unit. For several months, he was entertainment director at Ft. Ord before serving in the Philippines and later in Japan, where he worked as a producer and announcer for Armed Forces Radio.

Career
He started acting in Hollywood in 1947. His film appearances included “Twelve O’Clock High” (1949), “War of the Worlds” (1953), “Love Me Tender” (1956) and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane” (1962). His television guest spots included roles on “The Fugitive,” “Mod Squad,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Mission Impossible,” “Sea Hunt”, "The Lone Ranger" and “The Untouchables.”

Conway's Broadway credits include Prologue to Glory (1938), The American Way (1939), Stop Press (1939), The Land Is Bright (1941), Johnny 2 X 4 (1942), and A Roomful of Roses (1955).

Death
Conway died on January 12, 2009, in Laguna Woods, California.