Film colony turns out for Janssen’s funeral

Press, 21 February 1980, Page 15

Film colony turns out for Janssen’s funeral

NZPA-Reuter Los Angeles David Janssen, star of the television 'series “The /

Fugitive” was buried on Sunday. The film stars Gregory Peck and Richard Harris; the dancer, Gene

Kelly, and the rock star, Rod Stewart acting as pallbearers. Janssen, who was 49, died of a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles a week ago. More than 300 film and television actors packed a hilside chapel to pay final respects to Janssen, who made nearly 100 films but was best known for his television series “The Fugitive” and “Harry-O.” Janseen, whose real name was David Meyer, had an acting persona described as “doggedly glum.” His first film of note was “Yankee Buccaneer” in 1952. The actress, Suzanne Pleshette, a friend of Janssenp described him in a eulogy as “irreverent and irascible —in my opinion, perfect.” Quinn Martin, who produced the “Harry-O” series, said: “He was a superstar and a super; human being.” The mourners included film stars George Segal, George Hamilton* and Robert Stack and the vision stars, James Garner and Robert Culp.