Born in Delhi, Louisiana, Earl Holliman lied about his age and joined the U.S. Navy after an unsuccessful first attempt as an actor. Assigned to a Navy communications school in Los Angeles, he spent his free time at the Hollywood Canteen where he got to know people in the entertainment industry. Discharged after his real age was discovered, he returned home and completed his education at Oil City High School, graduating with high honors. He rejected a scholarship to Louisiana State University and re-enlisted in the Navy again – this time legally, where he joined the Norfolk Navy Theatre. After his tour he headed to Hollywood, studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and graduated from the University of California. In 1963 he made his big screen debut in a small uncredited role in Scared Stiff. It was in 1956 that he appeared in the western romance The Rainmaker, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor, and 1974 when he landed the role of Lt. Bill Crowley in the television drama Police Woman.
Earl Holliman died at home at the age of 96
