David Froman

David Froman
Born David Wesley Froman
(1938-12-31)December 31, 1938
Miami, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died February 8, 2010(2010-02-08) (aged 71)
Miami, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation Actor, professor
Years active 1980–1994

David Wesley Froman (December 31, 1938 – February 8, 2010) was an American actor, born in Miami, Oklahoma. His parents were Guy and Gertrude (Helm) Froman. He taught for many years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO), where he was professor of speech and theater.[1] He was best known for his recurring role as Lieutenant Bob Brooks on the popular television series Matlock.

Career

From an graduated from NEO in 1961, and immediately began teaching speech and theater. In 1969, he left Oklahoma to launch his own acting career in 1969.[2] Froman appeared on 56 episodes of Matlock from 1986 to 1994 as Lt. Bob Brooks. He also appeared on several other television shows of the 1980s and 1990s, such as Hill Street Blues, Trapper John, M.D., 21 Jump Street, Cheers and Diagnosis Murder. In addition, he played Captain K'Nera in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Froman was also well known for his role of both Gunther Wagner, Schuyler Whitney's faithful servant, and also his twin brother, Bruno on series The Edge of Night. As Bruno, he first appeared from 1980 to 1981 and assumed Gunther’s identity. He was murdered on the show a year later. The real Gunther was brought back in the show's final years from 1982 to 1984. Gunther was featured until the end of the show acting as Sky Whitney’s chauffeur. He shared a two-year flirtation with Mitzi Martin and eventually kissed her for the first time in the show’s final telecast.

In 1986, he appeared in the TV film Blind Justice, starring Tim Matheson.

Froman also worked as a drama instructor at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) in Miami, Oklahoma. He served as president of the Miami Little Theatre as well as acting on stage in several productions as late as November 2, 2009.[3]

Personal

Froman married Audrey Stein in New York on December 23, 1978. They continued living there until 1984, when they moved to Los Angeles, so that David could further his acting career. In 1994, they moved from Los Angeles to Miami, Oklahoma.[1] He returned to the faculty of NEO, and where he directed shows and musicals. He retired from teaching in 2002, but resumed as a part-time teacher in 2007.

Death

On February 8, 2010, Froman died of cancer in Miami, Oklahoma, aged 71.[4] He was survived by his wife, Audrey, and 7 children.

A celebration of Froman's life was held at NEO, where faculty and students articulated on his impact on their lives. Barbara George, chairwoman of NEO's Fine Arts Department, said, "... the respect for Froman among students and faculty members was so great that any praise from him, 'made us all glow. His disappointment would have been crushing, so everyone always strove to do their best and beyond, if only for David.' George also said,"He will be greatly, profoundly missed, but the lessons he taught us all will live on forever."[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Obituaries:David From." Miami News Record (Miami, OK.). February 10, 2010. Accessed June 12, 2018.
  2. 1 2 Stanley, Tim. "Actor's best character was his own." Tulsa World. February 12, 2010. Accessed June 15, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Miami Little Theatre". Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  4. ↑ McKinney, Roger. "Television actor David Froman dies at age 71". The Joplin Globe. Retrieved 2010-02-09.
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