Robert Addison Ginnaven Jr. (January 1, 1937 – February 17, 2008) was an American film and television actor.

Robert Ginnaven
Born
Robert Addison Ginnaven, Jr.

January 1, 1937
DiedFebruary 17, 2008 (aged 71)
Other namesBob Ginnaven
EducationUniversity of Memphis (BA)
SpousesIla Verne Ginnaven
Ann Ginnaven
Jeanne Tyler Ginnaven
Children3

Early life and education

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Ginnaven was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1937. He was the only child born to Pauline (née Boals), and Robert Addison Ginnaven, Sr. His mother worked for many years as a medical secretary in Downtown Memphis, and his father, who served in the United States Navy during World War II, worked for years as a deliveryman for Wonder Bread, also in Memphis.

Ginnaven graduated from Southside High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Memphis. Ginnaven was initially introduced to the theatre by a classmate who suggested he try out for a college production.

Career

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After completing his degree, Ginnaven moved to New York City, where he studied under Lee Strasberg. where Ginnaven was employed by KATV as a weatherman and talk show host. Ginnaven was later employed in the advertising industry, where he worked for the rest of his life.[1]

Acting career

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Ginnaven appeared in minor or uncredited roles. Ginnaven was 37 when he made his film debut in Encounter with the Unknown, which was released in 1973.[2] Ginnaven played Father Duane. In 1981, Ginnaven appeared on Dallas, appearing in only three episodes; Ginnaven was uncredited in the appearance. In 1992, Ginnaven appeared in his 18th and last movie called One False Move as Deputy Charlie. During the year, Robert had appeared in his second and last television show called Dangerous Curves in one episode as Matthew Carlson. According to some websites, it stated that Ginnaven was best known for his appearance in One False Move. Ginnaven also had a small but noticeable appearance in White Lightning, where he plays a friend of Ned Beatty's character Sheriff J.C. Connors.

Personal life

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Ginnaven moved back to Memphis in 1958, where he met his first wife, Ila Verne (née Crews) at an open-call audition being held by the local PBS station. Married December 21, 1958, Bob and Ila had their first child, Robert Addison Ginnaven III, on October 29, 1959. Not long after their son was born, Bob and Ila moved from Memphis to Little Rock, Arkansas. On May 15, 1961, their second child and only daughter, Elizabeth Leigh Ginnaven, was born. Their last child, Christopher Crews Ginnaven, was born on August 7, 1962. Ila died of complications from lung cancer on August 31, 1994. A few years later, Bob remarried Ann Vickers who was at the time the director of sales at KATV, the same TV station Ginnaven, Jr. had started at when he first moved to Little Rock. The marriage lasted a number of years, but ultimately ended in an amicable divorce. Not long after Ginnaven, Jr. was divorced, he began to date a friend by the name of Jeanne Crews. Ginnaven, Jr. and Jeanne Ginnaven (née Crews) were soon married, and remained married until he died on February 17, 2008.

Ginnaven married Jeanne Tyler Ginnaven; they lived in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1972 Encounter with the Unknown Father Duane
1973 So Sad About Gloria Chris Kenner
1973 White Lightning Harvey
1974 The Great Lester Boggs T. T. Boggs
1977 The Day It Came to Earth Lt. Kelly
1982 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Reporter
1982 Deadly Choice Dr. Bob Reasoner
1987 Three for the Road Dr. Hastings
1987 End of the Line State Trooper
1987 Pass the Ammo Mean
1988 Stay Tuned for Murder Judge Barnevay
1989 Steel Magnolias Mayor Van Meter
1992 One False Move Charlie

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1981 Crisis at Central High General Thomas Woods Television film
1981–1987 Dallas Police Officer 6 episodes
1983 Adam Det. Vincent Corrao Television film
1984 Time Bomb Halifax
1985 Right to Kill? Det. Marquez
1992 Dangerous Curves Matthew Carlson Episode: "Obsession"

References

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  1. ^ "Actor, Ad Man Bob Ginnaven Dies at 71". Arkansas Business. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  2. ^ "LR ad exec, actor Ginnaven dies at 71". Arkansas Online. 2008-02-18. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
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