He was best known as Sargent Vince Carter on the beloved 1960s TV sitcom, Gomer Pyle, USMC, which originally aired on CBS from 1966 to 1969. His name is Frank Sutton, who died of a heart attack in 1974. He was only 51 years old, and this is his story.
A Closer Look
Frank Sutton was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee, and began acting in dramas at only 9 years old. Following his high school graduation, he graduated cum laude from Columbia University in Theatre Arts and found work as a radio announcer.
After failing the physical to become a U.S. Marine (which he later played on TV), Sutton, who had a Black Belt in Judo, then enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War II.
Following his duty with the military, Sutton returned to acting, with stage performances.
In 1959, the actor made his screen debut with a supporting role in the TV series, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.
Beyond Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C, Sutton went on to make several TV appearances including the groundbreaking small-screen crime drama, Deadline.