Barry Atwater

Barry Atwater was an exceptional character actor who appeared frequently on TV in the 1960's and 70's. He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1918.

The son of a renowned landscape painter of the same name, Atwater served as head of the UCLA Sound Department before he began his acting career. His work teaching audio techniques led to a role in the student film, A Time Out Of War, a Civil War allegory that won the Oscar as best short film of 1954. He began appearing often in TV episodes, often as a featured player but occasionally as a primary guest star. He also appeared in the occasional theatrical film and performed regularly on stage.

Atwater’s famous role as vampire Janos Skorzeny in the acclaimed TV thriller The Night Stalker (1972) made him a popular attraction in 1970’s fan gatherings that capitalized on the resurgence of classic horror during that decade. Also, his role as Vulcan philosopher Surak in the original Star Trek series has ensured his immortality among sci-fi fans.

In the middle 60’s Atwater also spent three years on the soap opera General Hospital, working in prime time appearances sometimes as G.B. Atwater. Among his focal guest roles were deranged madmen on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and Kung Fu.

Atwater died of a stroke in 1978, most likely caused by heavy steroid use during his early career, when he tried to bulk up to fit his 6-foot-one-inch frame. Fans also notice that toward the end of the 1960’s, his eyes became more sunken and his nose, jaw line, and forehead changed in appearance. At least two sources who were close to the actor believe this also resulted from steroid overuse. Atwater became even more suited for the sinister roles he often played.