Actor-Singer Keith Andes Dies at 85

Keith Andes, a singing actor whose leading ladies ranged from Marilyn Monroe to Lucille Ball, was found dead on November 11 in his home in Santa Clarita, California, according to a longtime friend. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office ruled the death a suicide by asphyxiation; Andes had suffered from bladder cancer and other illnesses.

Born John Charles Andes on July 12, 1920 in Ocean City, New Jersey, he began his career in radio at age 12. Andes later attended Oxford University, graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1943, and studied voice at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. Known for his excellent baritone, he sang and acted in several USO shows.

In 1947, Andes won a Theatre World Award for his performance in The Chocolate Soldier at the New Century Theatre (now razed). A few years later, he performed again at the same theater in Kiss Me, Kate, as a replacement in the leading role of Fred Graham/Petruchio. In 1960, he played opposite Lucille Ball in the short-lived Broadway musical Wildcat, which featured a score by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh.

Andes’ first film was Winged Victory (1944). He played one of the brothers in The Farmer’s Daughter (1947) and was rising star Marilyn Monroe’s leading man in Clash by Night (1952). Among his many other screen credits, he played Edward Maynard in Blackbeard, the Pirate (1952), Johann Strauss, Jr. in The Great Waltz (1955), Gen. George C. Marshall in Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), and Marvin Bates in …And Justice for All (1979). His extensive television work included the series This Man Dawson (1959-60) and Glynis (1963), in which he played Glynis Johns’ husband.

Twice divorced, Andes is survived by his son Mark (an original member of the rock groups Canned Heat and Spirit); another son, Matt; and three grandchildren.