Vinton Hayworth

Vinton Hayworth (June 4, 1906 – May 21, 1970) was an American actor who began his career in roles portraying weaselly and milquetoast characters, later transitioning into dignified character parts.

Born in Washington, D.C., Hayworth began acting in his late teens. In the early 1920s, he was a pioneering radio announcer, working first in Washington, then in New York City, and later in Chicago. He subsequently appeared on numerous radio programs in a variety of roles. He entered the film industry in 1933 under the stage name Jack Arnold, appearing in small roles, typically portraying comically good-natured or sneaky characters. His appearances as Jack Arnold ended in the early 1940s, after which he spent two years on Broadway from 1942 to 1944 before returning to California. He made appearances in film from the late 1950s onward.

Hayworth was also one of the founders of AFRA (later AFTRA), the union representing radio and television artists, and served as its president from 1951 to 1954.

In the 1950s, Hayworth began appearing on television. He guest-starred on *Alfred Hitchcock Presents*, *Gunsmoke*, *Perry Mason*, *Dennis the Menace*, *Petticoat Junction*, *Hazel*, *The Munsters*, *Green Acres* (1965), and *Dick Tracy* (1967). He played the role of Carlos Galindo on Disney's *Zorro* from 1957 to 1959. His final role was as General Winfield Schaeffer on *I Dream of Jeannie*, from 1969 to 1970. Hayworth replaced Barton MacLane, who had portrayed General Peterson until his death in 1969. Both Hayworth and MacLane died before the final episodes they appeared in were aired.

Hayworth died of a heart attack shortly after completing his recurring role of General Schaeffer on *I Dream of Jeannie*. He passed away on May 21, 1970, five days before the show aired its last first-run episode on May 26, 1970. His remains were cremated.

Hayworth was married to actress Jean Owens. His elder sister was Volga Hayworth, the mother of screen star Rita Hayworth.