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Alex Cord
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Alexander Viespi Jr. (May 3, 1933 – August 9, 2021), known professionally as Alex Cord, was an American actor.[1] He was best known for his portrayal of Michael Coldsmith Briggs III, better known as Archangel, in 55 episodes of the American television series Airwolf (1984–1986). Early in his career, he was credited as Alex Viespi.[2]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Cord was born to an Italian family in Floral Park, New York,[3] the son of Marie (Paladino) and Alexander Viespi, who was in the construction business.[4] Cord was stricken with polio at the age of 12. His family then moved to Wyoming, where doctors advised him to take up horseback riding as a therapeutic exercise.[5] This helped him recover from the disease by the time he was 16.[6] Cord attended New York University in New York City and the American Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford, Connecticut.[5]

Career

[edit]

In July 1960, Cord (billed under his real name) acted in a production of The Curious Savage in Canal Fulton, Ohio.[7] He had a role in the 1961 episode "The Mountain Men" of the TV series Laramie.[5] Cord's second role came a month later as Nino Sanchez in the episode "Winter Quarters" of Frontier Circus. In 1962, he appeared as Larry Rome in the episode "Take a Number" of the crime drama Cain's Hundred.

Cord appeared in the 1962 film The Chapman Report, directed by George Cukor.[5] He briefly enjoyed a leading man status on the big and small screen during the 1960s and 1970s, and starred or co-starred in mostly crime dramas, action films, and westerns.[8]

In 1963 and 1964, Cord was cast as different characters in five episodes of the series Route 66, including the role of Michael in the two-part "Where There's a Will, There's a Way." In 1964, he played the part of Sam in the episode "If Your Grandmother Had Wheels" of East Side/West Side. During this same period, he appeared twice on Naked City.

In 1965, Cord was cast as Jed Colbee in the episode "Survival" of Branded. In 1966, he played the Ringo Kid in a remake of Stagecoach, which arguably remains Cord's most heavily publicized endeavor, during which he was ballyhooed in the press as a former football player since the role was originally portrayed by minor college football player John Wayne (who had since starred in eighty Western movies, usually with his name above the title, throughout the 1930s) in John Ford's 1939 version.[9][10] Cord co-starred in The Brotherhood with Kirk Douglas, about a Mafia figure being sent to murder his own brother.[5]

He guest-starred on the Rod Serling anthology series Night Gallery where he met his co-star and wife Joanna Pettet while filming the episode "Keep in Touch - We'll Think of Something". In 1974, Cord twice guest-starred on the NBC series Born Free, and he appeared in the motion picture Chosen Survivors.

Cord is among a handful of actors to appear on both the original and revival versions of CBS's Mission: Impossible. Cord also is known to science fiction enthusiasts for having portrayed Dylan Hunt in the failed 1973 television pilot Genesis II, which was created by Gene Roddenberry.[11] In 1977, he starred as the title character in the epic western Grayeagle.[8]

In 1972, he appeared as Pete Brown in the episode "The Sodbusters" of Gunsmoke. In 1973, he played the role of Haynes in "The Night of the Long Knives" on The F.B.I.. From 1973 to 1976, he appeared in four episodes of Police Story. In 1979 and 1981, he appeared twice on The Love Boat. In 1984 Cord starred in Airwolf The Movie a two-hour pilot of the subsequent series. In 1988, Cord was cast in an episode of Simon and Simon; in 1988 and 1992, he appeared on Jake and the Fatman. He also appeared in a 1988 episode of the TV series War of the Worlds. He appeared twice in Murder, She Wrote. In 1995, Cord played the character Larry Curtis in the episode "The Guardians" of Walker, Texas Ranger.

Personal life

[edit]

Cord lived in Cooke County, Texas. Cord suggested that Robert Fuller, his friend from Laramie, also move to Texas to raise horses. (Cord raised horses also in an episode of the Chrysler Theatre tv series.) Fuller and his second wife Jennifer Savidge did relocate to Cooke County in 2004. Cord and Fuller often made appearances at western film festivals, highlighting their continuing mutual interest in "The Spirit of the Cowboy".[12] Cord died at his home in Valley View, Texas on August 9, 2021, at the age of 88.[13]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1962 The Chapman Report Bardelli Uncredited
1965 Synanon Zankie Albo
1966 Stagecoach "The Ringo Kid"
1968 A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die Clay McCord
The Brotherhood Vince Ginetta
1969 Stiletto Count Cesare Cardinali
1970 The Last Grenade Kip Thompson
1971 The Tell-Tale Heart The Murderer Short film
1972 The Dead Are Alive Professor Jason Porter
1973 Genesis II Dylan Hunt
1974 Chosen Survivors Steven Mayes
1975 Inn of the Damned Cal Kincaid
1977 Sidewinder 1 Packard Gentry
Grayeagle Grayeagle
1984 Jungle Warriors Nick Spilotro
1987 Uninvited Walter Graham Direct-to-video
1990 Street Asylum Captain Bill Quinton
A Girl to Kill For Mike / Wino
1991 Joey Takes a Cab
1992 Roots of Evil Jake
The Naked Truth Herskovitz
1993 CIA Code Name: Alexa Victor Mahler
To Be the Best Jack Rodgers Direct-to-video
1995 Hologram Man Governor Hampton
2001 Air Rage General Harlan Prescott
2009 Fire from Below General Mark 'Stonewall' Jackson

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1961 Laramie John Sanford Episode: "The Mountain Men"
Ben Casey Frank Paulson Episode: "Pavane for a Gentle Lady"
Frontier Circus Nino Sanchez Episode: "Winter Quarters"
1962 Cain's Hundred Larry Rome Episode: "Take a Number: Jack Garsell"
1962–1963 Naked City Dick Wilkes / Nicholas Kovar 2 episodes
1963 Armstrong Circle Theatre Juri Mishukov Episode: "Invitation to Treason"
Alcoa Premiere Tomas Caliban Episode: "The Hat of Sergeant Martin"
The Nurses Dr. Brian Episode: "Circle of Choice"
BBC Sunday-Night Play Jerry Rogers Episode: "The Joker"
1963–1964 Route 66 Michael Tiffin / Rick Decatur / Jack / Raymond 5 episodes
1964 ITV Play of the Week Alvaro Mangiacavallo Episode: "The Rose Tattoo"
East Side/West Side Sam Episode: "If Your Grandmother Had Wheels"
1965 Branded Jed Colbee Episode: "Survival"
1967 Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre Lucky Paxton Episode: "The Lady Is My Wife"
The Scorpio Letters Joe Christopher Television film
1971 Night Gallery Erik Sutton Segment: "Keep in Touch - We'll Think of Something"
1972 Gunsmoke Pete Brown Episode: "The Sodbusters"
Mission: Impossible Peter Cordel Episode: "Crack-Up"
Insight Tom Slade Episode: "The Killer"
1973 Genesis II Dylan Hunt Television film
The F.B.I. Haynes Episode: "Night of the Long Knives"
1973–1976 Police Story Officer Jackson Holt / William Allen / Bill Stryker - The Cowboy / Scully 4 episodes
1974 Born Free Paul Morgan - The Vet Episode: "The Trespassers"
1975 Matt Helm Gallagher Episode: "Murder on Ice"
1976 Joe Forrester Episode: "Squeeze Play"
The Quest McWhorley Episode: "The Buffalo Hunters"
Police Woman Bass Episode: "Tennis Bum"
The Six Million Dollar Man Dave Harraway Episode: "Task Force"
1977 Fire! Dr. Alex Wilson Television film
Have I Got a Christmas for You Dan Levine
1978 W.E.B. Jack Kiley 5 episodes
1979 Beggarman, Thief Evans Kinsella Television film
1979–1981 The Love Boat Hank Welker / Mr. Barrett 2 episodes
1980–1984 Fantasy Island Paul Horner / Ra-Mas / Captain Juan Arguello / Kyle Mason / Robert West 5 episodes
1981 Best of Friends Bill Television film
Goliath Awaits Dr. Sam Marlowe
1982 Cassie & Co. Mike Holland 13 episodes
1984 Airwolf Michael Coldsmith Briggs III Television film
Hotel Preston Dwyer Episode: "Flesh and Blood"
1984–1986 Airwolf Michael Coldsmith Briggs III / Archangel 55 episodes
1986 Murder, She Wrote Preston Bartholomew 2 episodes
1987 The Law & Harry McGraw Alec Harris Episode: "The Fallen Arrow"
1988 The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission Dravko Demchuk Television film
Simon & Simon Roland Vicente / Harry Lubash Episode: "The Richer They Are the Harder They Fall"
War of the Worlds Marcus Madison Mason Episode: "The Good Samaritan"
Monsters John Thunston Episode: "Rouse Him Not"
1989 Freddy's Nightmares The General Episode: "Memory Overload"
Mission: Impossible Daniel Travers Episode: "For Art's Sake"
1989–1992 Jake and the Fatman Wade Kelleher / Wallace Cogan 2 episodes
1995 High Sierra Search and Rescue Marshal D.J. Stone Episode: "Mozart & Stone"
Kung Fu: The Legend Continues Gary Bennett Episode: "The Sacred Chalice of I-Ching"
Biography Additional voices Episode: "Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People"
Walker, Texas Ranger Larry Curtis Episode: "The Guardians"
1996 High Tide 2 episodes
University Blues Television film

Awards

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Cord

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex Cord (May 3, 1933 – August 9, 2021) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Michael Coldsmith-Briggs III, aka , in the 1980s action-adventure television series . Born Alexander Viespi Jr. in , Cord overcame contracted at age 12 and developed a passion for horsemanship that influenced his career. He attended and trained at the American Shakespeare Festival in before entering acting in the early . Cord's film debut came in 1962 with a role in , followed by appearances in notable Westerns such as the 1966 remake of , where he played the Ringo Kid, and Grayeagle (1977). His other films included (1969) and A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die (1968), often leveraging his riding skills in action-oriented roles. On television, he debuted in 1961 on Laramie and went on to guest star in series like Route 66, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Murder, She Wrote. His breakthrough came with Airwolf (1984–1987), where he appeared in 55 episodes as the enigmatic, eye-patch-wearing liaison for the show's covert helicopter operations. Beyond acting, Cord was an accomplished horseman, participating in pro-celebrity rodeos for 16 years and earning the Golden Boot Award for his contributions to Western films. He also wrote the A Feather in the Rain (2005) and trained cutting and roping horses. Cord passed away at his home in , at age 88; he was predeceased by his son, Damien Zachary Cord, who died at 26.

Early life

Family and childhood

Alex Cord was born Alexander Viespi Jr. on May 3, 1933, in , to Italian-American parents Marie Paladino and Alexander Viespi Sr. His family, of Italian descent, lived near racetrack, which sparked his lifelong fascination with horses from an early age. As a young child, Cord was first placed in a at age three on , igniting a passion that led him to sneak away from school to watch horses train by climbing fences and hiding in the brush. By his early teens, this enthusiasm evolved into active participation in rodeos, where he performed as a competitor riding bulls and bareback horses, honing skills that defined his formative years. At age twelve, Cord contracted , a devastating illness that confined him to a hospital for an extended period, including time in an . The disease left his left leg one inch shorter than the other, requiring intensive and rehabilitation; his family relocated to a in to aid his recovery through therapeutic activities. During this challenging hospitalization, Cord discovered a profound love for reading, which provided solace and intellectual stimulation amid his physical limitations. Despite these setbacks, Cord's determination prevailed, and by age sixteen, he dropped out of high school to dedicate himself fully to the circuit as a professional performer. This decision marked the culmination of his childhood immersion in equestrian pursuits, shaping a resilient character forged through family support, health adversities, and an unyielding affinity for .

Education and early interests

Following his recovery from during childhood, Alex Cord enrolled at in , where he studied and earned a degree in the subject. His time at NYU marked a period of intellectual growth, as he immersed himself in reading and academic pursuits that broadened his horizons beyond physical challenges. Inspired by the performances of , Cord developed a keen interest in classical theater and sought formal acting training at the American Shakespeare Festival and Academy in . This program provided him with rigorous instruction in Shakespearean techniques, honing his dramatic skills and igniting a passion for stage performance that would influence his later career. Earlier, Cord had pursued ambitions in professional horsemanship, competing as a performer riding bulls and bareback horses on the circuit. However, a severe injury sustained when he was thrown by a bull during an event at in forced him to abandon those goals and reevaluate his path, ultimately prompting a pivot to through initial theater auditions and involvement in dramatic during his university years. This transition bridged his early physical pursuits with emerging creative interests, setting the stage for his professional entry into the entertainment industry.

Career

Stage beginnings

In the early 1960s, following his dramatic training at the American Shakespeare Festival in , Alex Cord relocated to to establish himself in professional theater. There, he built upon his classical foundation, having previously portrayed Laertes in a production of at the festival, which honed his skills in Shakespearean performance. Cord made his notable London debut in 1962, billed under his birth name, Alex Viespi, as Dave Miller in Doris Lessing's Play with a Tiger at the Comedy Theatre, opposite Siobhan McKenna. The production marked a breakthrough, earning him a nomination for Best Actor from the London Critics' Circle Theatre Awards, recognizing his commanding presence and emotional depth in the role. This accolade positioned him among emerging talents of the era, affirming his potential in contemporary drama. Cord's early London stage career encompassed additional roles that diversified his repertoire, including appearances in Tennessee Williams's , Shakespeare's , and Noël Coward's The Umbrella Man. These performances solidified his reputation for versatility, blending modern realism with classical verse. The critical attention garnered during his London run, particularly from Play with a Tiger, attracted scouts from the film industry, paving the way for his transition to screen acting by the mid-1960s.

Film and television roles

Cord's first film appearance was an uncredited role as Bardelli in the 1962 drama , followed by his first credited role as Joel, a young man undergoing at a commune, in the 1965 drama . He quickly followed with the lead role as the Ringo Kid in the 1966 Western remake , co-starring alongside and in the classic's update. His breakthrough arrived in 1968 with The Brotherhood, where he played Vince Ginetta, the hot-headed younger brother to Kirk Douglas's mafia patriarch Frank Ginetta, a performance that showcased his dramatic intensity and garnered attention in a story exploring generational conflict within . That same year, Cord starred as Clay McCord, an epileptic outlaw on the run in the Italian-Western A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die, blending action with psychological depth amid a manhunt in the . On television, he guest-starred in the season 1 episode "" of the NBC Western Branded (1965). He also made guest appearances in enduring series like The Virginian in the 1960s, and in several episodes including in 1963. In 1978, Cord headlined the short-lived detective drama W.E.B., portraying Jack Webst in a modern update to the pulp hero tradition. Cord's television career peaked in the 1980s with his portrayal of Michael "Archangel" Coldsmith-Briggs III in Airwolf (1984–1986), a suave, monocled CIA liaison who coordinated high-stakes missions for the experimental helicopter team, a role across 55 episodes that revitalized his visibility and became synonymous with 1980s action-adventure. Later film highlights included his turn as scientist Walter Graham in the 1988 horror thriller Uninvited, where he confronted a deadly feline intruder on a research island, and as the introspective Howard in the 1994 independent drama The Last Good Time, opposite Armin Mueller-Stahl and Maureen Stapleton. Throughout the 1970s, Cord grappled with typecasting in Westerns and action roles, which limited opportunities in Hollywood and prompted sporadic appearances, including international productions like the spaghetti Western A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die and the Native American-themed Grayeagle (1977).

Later career developments

Following the peak of his television career with the role of Archangel in Airwolf (1984–1986), Alex Cord's acting opportunities diminished significantly, with roles becoming increasingly sparse in the late 1980s and 1990s. He appeared in the TV movie The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission (1988), playing the character of D'Angelo, and guest-starred in an episode of the sci-fi series War of the Worlds (1988) as industrialist Marcus Madison Mason. Additional credits included guest spots on Murder, She Wrote (1984 and 1986) and Walker, Texas Ranger (1995), alongside minor film roles such as in Street Asylum (1990) and Hologram Man (1995). These appearances marked a gradual wind-down from regular on-screen work, as Cord shifted away from the demands of Hollywood. By the early 2000s, Cord had effectively retired from acting, influenced by advancing age, health considerations, and a growing preference for a more secluded lifestyle focused on personal interests. His final credited roles were limited, including (2001) and the low-budget thriller Fire from Below (2009), after which he ceased pursuing professional opportunities in or television. This transition allowed him to prioritize ranch life in , where he had relocated, embracing a quieter existence away from the industry. Post-retirement, Cord channeled his longstanding passion for equestrian pursuits, drawing on his early experience to engage in and training, particularly with American Quarter Horses. He maintained an active involvement in these activities at his ranch, finding fulfillment in the hands-on work that contrasted with his acting past. While occasional behind-the-scenes contributions, such as voice work, were rumored in later years, no major projects materialized, solidifying his retreat into private endeavors tied to his equestrian legacy.

Personal life

Marriages and children

Alex Cord had a long-term relationship with Mary Ann Hutchinson in the mid-1950s, though the couple never formally married. This relationship produced one child: Toni Aluisa, born in November 1959. He also had a son, Wayne Viespi, born in 1959, from his first marriage, the details of which are not widely documented. Cord's second marriage was to British actress in 1968, a union that lasted until their in 1989. The couple had one son together, Damien Zachary Cord, born on October 3, 1968. Despite the eventual separation, Cord maintained a close relationship with his children from both relationships, emphasizing his commitment to fatherhood amid his demanding career. The family experienced profound tragedy when died on July 7, 1995, at age 26, from a overdose in . This loss deeply affected Cord, who later reflected on it in interviews as a pivotal challenge in his . In 2002, Cord married horse trainer and Moller, sharing a passion for equestrian activities that strengthened their bond. The marriage ended in divorce in 2017, but Cord continued to prioritize family connections with his surviving children and grandchildren throughout his later years.

Philanthropy and residences

Cord's philanthropic efforts were deeply rooted in his personal experience with , which he contracted at age 12 and overcame through therapeutic horseback riding recommended by doctors after his family relocated to . He chaired the Ahead with Horses, based in Sun Valley, , which provides therapeutic riding programs for physically and emotionally challenged children and adults, enabling participants to build confidence, coordination, and emotional well-being through equine interaction. Drawing on his status, Cord advocated for equestrian therapy by participating in engagements and events; in 1991, he participated in a in Burbank that raised proceeds for Ahead with Horses and other children's charities, including and Make-A-Wish. Additionally, he supported the Chukkers for Charity Celebrity Polo Team, which has generated over $3 million for various causes since its inception. In his later decades, Cord's lifestyle centered on equestrian pursuits, particularly after establishing a long-term residence on a in , where he spent over two decades breeding, training , and supporting activities. This rural base in Cooke County allowed him to immerse himself in competitive events and operations, reflecting a shift from his earlier urban and coastal living arrangements. Born in , Cord's family moved to following his diagnosis, and he later pursued his acting career primarily in , where he trained horses at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center during his Hollywood years. His marriage to Susannah Cord, a skilled horsewoman, further shaped their shared life in Texas, emphasizing equestrian training and community involvement.

Death

Final years

In the 2010s, Alex Cord increasingly withdrew into a secluded life on his ranch in , where he focused on writing novels and caring for his horses amid the physical challenges of aging. Semi-retired from public view, he found solace in equestrian pursuits, including raising horses and performing light duties like daily riding to honor his lifelong passion for the animals. Cord's public appearances dwindled after 2010, with his last known interview taking place in 2015 for Cowboys & Indians magazine, during which he reflected on the legacy of his roles in western films such as the 1966 remake of and his enduring love for horses. Throughout these years, he managed the ongoing effects of contracted at age 12, which left one leg shorter than the other and contributed to mobility challenges, yet he stayed engaged in activities to the extent possible. In his final years leading to his death in 2021, Cord drew support from his family, including his children Toni Aluisa and Wayne Viespi, as well as his ex-wife Susannah Boye Moller.

Legacy

Alex Cord died on August 9, 2021, at the age of 88 in his home in Valley View, Texas. His publicist, Linda McAlister, confirmed the passing to multiple outlets, noting he was surrounded by friends at the time. Following his death, tributes from Airwolf castmate Anne Lockhart highlighted their nearly 40-year friendship, describing him as a "fine cowboy" whose absence would be deeply felt. Western actor Robert Fuller, who considered Cord like a brother, praised his passion for acting, writing, horse training, and his reputation as "one of the good guys." Fans and industry observers echoed these sentiments, lauding his charismatic screen presence in roles like Archangel on Airwolf and his mentorship role in the Western genre through decades of performances. Cord's legacy extends beyond entertainment to equestrian therapy, where he chaired Ahead with Horses, an organization offering therapeutic riding programs for physically and emotionally challenged individuals. His personal experience overcoming through horseback riding informed his advocacy, ensuring the program's continued operation and impact on participants' lives. In , Cord endures as a cult figure from 1960s-1980s action television, with his portrayal of the suave in influencing subsequent aviation-themed series through its blend of high-stakes espionage and charismatic authority figures.

Writing

Published novels

Alex Cord's debut novel, Sandsong, was published in 1976 by Warner Books. In 2005, Cord released A in the Rain through Publications, a poignant Western-inspired centered on loss, redemption, and unlikely romance. The story follows trail-hardened Jesse Burrell, who, after burying his young son, withdraws from emotional connections until an encounter with an internationally renowned model reignites his passion for life; based on a true incident, it reflects Cord's own background as a competitor and equestrian. Cord shifted toward suspense genres with The Man Who Would Be God, published in 2014 via Independent Publishing Platform, a thriller examining power, identity, and through the lens of a disillusioned Hollywood star seeking to reshape humanity. This work marked a notable evolution in his literary output, blending psychological depth with high-stakes intrigue. His 2013 novel Days of the Harbinger, issued by Timber Creek Productions, continues exploring clairvoyant intervention and global change, featuring protagonist Johnny Grant—a movie star with prophetic gifts—who grapples with humanity's flaws in a narrative blending speculative fiction and moral philosophy. Cord's later works include Western adventures such as High Moon: At Hacienda del Diablo (2016, CreateSpace), where a reclusive gunman and Texas Ranger confront tyranny to reclaim a stolen stallion and liberate peasants, underscoring themes of justice and frontier resilience. He also published Appaloosa Ambush: A Western Adventure (2017, CreateSpace), Tasting Rain (2014, CreateSpace), and others. Over his career, Cord authored at least seven novels, transitioning from acting to writing during retirement to channel his diverse life experiences into storytelling.

Writing influences

Cord's writing was profoundly shaped by his childhood battle with , which struck at age 12 and left him hospitalized for an extended period. Confined to bed, he turned to reading as a means of escape and stimulation, developing a particular affinity for , which he read repeatedly and found addictive for their dramatic power and linguistic richness. This early immersion in classic literature during honed his narrative skills and instilled a deep appreciation for character development and eloquent prose, influences that permeated his later authorship. Following his recovery, which included time on a near , where he overcame physical limitations through rigorous therapy, Cord became a professional performer, competing in events like and . These hands-on experiences with the rugged demands of Western life informed the action-adventure themes central to his novels, including the Outback-set Sandsong (1976), where themes of resilience and frontier survival echo his personal triumphs over adversity. His lifelong passion for horsemanship further enriched these narratives, providing authentic detail to depictions of human-animal bonds and high-stakes pursuits. By the , amid a relative lull in his acting roles after a prolific , Cord transitioned to writing as a creative outlet and professional pursuit, publishing his Sandsong in 1976. Drawing from his Shakespearean training at the American Shakespeare Festival in and broader literary studies, he adopted self-taught techniques rooted in theater improvisation to craft stories, emphasizing emotional authenticity over intricate plots. This approach is evident in works like A Feather in the Rain (2005), where personal grief over his son's death drives profound character exploration, reflecting Cord's belief that multidimensional figures could sustain narratives through their inner depths alone.

Recognition

Awards

Alex Cord received notable recognition early in his film career through nominations for emerging talent awards in 1966. He was nominated for the Golden Laurel Award in the category, which honored promising newcomers in the motion picture industry based on their debut performances and potential impact. This accolade highlighted Cord's breakthrough as a following his transition from stage to screen. Similarly, he earned a nomination for the Photoplay Award as Most Promising New Male Star, a fan-voted honor from the popular entertainment magazine that spotlighted rising actors generating significant Hollywood buzz. Later in his career, Cord was awarded the Golden Boot Award in 2001 by the Motion Picture & Television Fund for his enduring contributions to Western films and television. The ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills and hosted by Dale Robertson, celebrated genre pioneers and benefited industry support programs; actress Stella Stevens presented the award to Cord alongside honorees including Eli Wallach and Chuck Norris. This win underscored his lasting influence in the Western genre over decades.

Honors and nominations

Early in his career, Alex Cord earned a nomination for from the London Critics' Circle for his performance as the lead in the 1960 London stage production of Play with a Tiger by , marking an early validation of his dramatic talents alongside nominees like and . For his enduring contributions to Western films and television, Cord was inducted into the Santa Clarita in 2002, joining other genre luminaries on the sidewalk tribute in Old Town Newhall, . The devoted fanbase of the 1980s series Airwolf, where Cord portrayed the enigmatic , contributed to the show's 2005 nomination for the in the Favorite Airborne Characters category, underscoring its cult status among viewers. In the wake of his death, numerous obituaries celebrated Cord's versatility as a character actor, noting his appearances in over 50 films and television projects spanning six decades, from rugged Western leads to intense dramatic roles.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1962The Chapman ReportBardelliUncredited
1965SynanonZankie Albo
1966StagecoachRingo KidRemake of the 1939 classic; directed by Gordon Douglas
1967A Minute to Pray, a Second to DieClay McCordSpaghetti Western; directed by Franco Giraldi
1968The BrotherhoodVince GinettaDirected by
1969StilettoCount Cesare CardinaliDirected by
1970The Last GrenadeKip ThompsonBritish film; directed by
1972The Dead Are AliveProfessor Jason PorterAlso known as The Etruscan Kills Again; Italian horror
1974Chosen SurvivorsSteven MayesHorror sci-fi; directed by Sutton Roley
1975Inn of the DamnedCal KincaidAustralian horror; directed by Terry Bourke
1977GrayeagleGrayeagleWestern; directed by Charles B. Pierce
1983Chained HeatWarden BacmanWomen-in-prison film; directed by Paul Nicholas
1984Jungle WarriorsNick CarrAction-adventure; directed by Ernst Ritter von Theumer
1990Street AsylumCapt. Bill QuintonAction film; directed by J. Stephen Maunder
1990A Girl to Kill ForMikeAlso known as Lethal Desire; thriller
1992CIA Code Name: AlexaVictor MahlerAction; directed by
1995Hologram ManGovernor HamptonSci-fi action; directed by Richard Pepin
2001Air RageGeneral Harlan PrescottDirect-to-video action; directed by
2009Fire from BelowGeneral Mark 'Stonewall' JacksonSci-fi action; directed by Robert Kubilos

Television

Alex Cord began his television career in 1961 with a on the Western series Laramie. He transitioned to more prominent roles in the and achieved regular status in action series during the . His debut was as John Sanford in "" (Season 3, Episode 4). In 1962, Cord guest-starred on Route 66 as Misha Torodin in "To Walk with the Serpent" (Season 2, Episode 14). He made additional appearances on the series in 1963 and 1964, totaling five episodes in different roles. Cord appeared on Naked City in the early 1960s, playing supporting roles in crime drama episodes. In 1965, he guest-starred on Branded as Jed Colbee in the premiere episode "Survival" (Season 1, Episode 1), with additional guest appearances throughout the series. Other 1960s guest spots included Mission: Impossible in 1966, where he played a supporting role in an episode of the spy series. He also appeared on Gunsmoke in 1972 as a guest in "The Sodbusters" (Season 18, Episode 11). During the 1970s, Cord continued with guest roles, including on in 1977, appearing in multiple episodes as various characters. In the 1980s, Cord landed a regular role on the short-lived series Cassie & Co. (1982), playing Mike Holland opposite across 13 episodes. He guest-starred on in 1981 as Harry Lubash in "Emeralds Are Not a Girl's Best Friend" (Season 1, Episode 5). Cord portrayed Dr. Sam Marlowe in the TV movie (1981). In 1981, he also starred as Bill in the TV movie The Best of Friends. A highlight of his television career was his recurring role as Michael Coldsmith Briggs III, known as Archangel, on from 1984 to 1986, appearing in 55 episodes as the suave liaison for the covert helicopter program. He made a guest appearance on Hotel in 1984 as Preston Dwyer in "Designs" (Season 2, Episode 1). In 1986, Cord guest-starred on as Dexter in "Death Stalks the Big Top: Part 1" (Season 3, Episode 2). He appeared in another episode of the series in 1991. Later television work included a guest role on War of the Worlds in 1988 as Marcus Mason in "A Multitude of Idols" (Season 1, Episode 10). In 1993, Cord appeared on Walker, Texas Ranger as Larry Curtis in "The Road to Black Bayou" (Season 1, Episode 2). He reprised guest spots on the series in later seasons, including "The Guardians" (Season 4, Episode 3). Cord's television credits also encompassed TV movies such as Genesis II (1973), where he played the lead role of Dylan Hunt in the sci-fi pilot. In 1988, he appeared in as Dravko Demchuk.

References

  1. https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/alex-cord-dead-airwolf-1235038356/
  2. https://deadline.com/2021/08/alex-cord-dead-airwolf-star-obituary-1234812180/
  3. https://meadorfuneral.com/alexander-daniel-cord/
  4. https://www.cowboysindians.com/2021/08/remembering-alex-cord/
  5. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/alex-cord-dead-airwolf-1234995447/
  6. https://www.amazon.com/Feather-Rain-Alex-Cord/dp/B00JAWTKD2
  7. https://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/arts-and-entertainment/stardust-and-spurs-exploring-santa-claritas-walk-of-western-stars-alex-cord-509636
  8. https://alexcordnews.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/alex-cord-on-horses-acting-and-why-he-is-saving-money/
  9. https://alexcordnews.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/120/
  10. https://onceuponatimeinawestern.com/a-minute-to-pray-a-second-to-die-1968/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179376/bio/
  12. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/alex-cord/umc.cpc.17ifrd5ml7sof99fbkem12juv
  13. https://www.thewrap.com/alex-cord-archangel-in-military-drama-airwolf-dies-at-88/
  14. https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/0810/1240125-airwolf-star-alex-cord-dies-aged-88/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179376/otherworks/
  16. http://www.filmreference.com/film/99/Alex-Cord.html
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061024/
  18. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1003136-brotherhood
  19. https://themagnificent60s.com/2023/10/02/the-brotherhood-1968-2/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179376/
  21. https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/alex-cord
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086662/
  23. https://iusedtowatchthis.com/alex-cord/
  24. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/3448488/who-alex-cord-what-cause-of-death/
  25. https://www.fastpeoplesearch.com/toni-aluisa_id_G9198903297313316031
  26. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0179376/trivia/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0678620/trivia/
  28. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/169835209/damien_zachary-cord
  29. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-07-vw-3329-story.html
  30. https://ntfronline.com/2018/10/october-2018-profile-becoming-alex-cord-actor-horseman-author/
  31. https://www.ebay.com/p/116150616
  32. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/160152256-sandsong
  33. https://www.abebooks.com/9781589850118/Feather-Rain-Cord-Alex-1589850114/plp
  34. https://www.amazon.com/Man-Who-Would-Be-God/dp/1500234400
  35. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/22392240-the-man-who-would-be-god
  36. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17762736-days-of-the-harbinger
  37. https://www.abebooks.com/9780989122023/Days-Harbinger-Cord-Alex-0989122026/plp
  38. https://www.amazon.com/High-Moon-Hacienda-Diablo-Western/dp/1535376627
  39. https://www.fictiondb.com/author/alex-cord~40300.htm
  40. https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/418419.Alex_Cord
  41. https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/3448774/what-is-alex-cords-net-worth/
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/18/archives/a-new-film-actor-alex-cord-gets-synanon-lead-after-life-of-labor.html
  43. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000394/1966/1/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000537/1966/1/
  45. https://variety.com/2001/film/columns/family-celebration-to-honor-clinton-ford-1117795545/
  46. https://www.b-westerns.com/gold2001.htm
  47. https://alexlaybourne.wordpress.com/2013/10/28/an-interview-with-the-man-the-legend-alex-cord/
  48. https://oldtownnewhall.com/walk_of_the_western_stars/
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086662/awards/
  50. https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/PersonDetails/9889
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063308/
  52. https://waroftheworlds.fandom.com/wiki/Alex_Cord
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077630/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087395/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099674/
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113318/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274321/
  58. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/alex-cord/credits/3030014820/
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0624793/
  60. https://airwolf.fandom.com/wiki/Alex_Cord
  61. https://www.fandango.com/people/alex-cord-137866/biography
  62. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0531286/
  63. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058792/episodes/
  64. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0744027/
  65. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/alex_cord
  66. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/45206-alex-cord
  67. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095022/
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