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Edson Stroll
Edson Stroll
Edson Stroll
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Edson Stroll (January 6, 1929 – July 18, 2011) was an American actor who appeared in over 20 film and television programs beginning in 1958.

Key Information

Career

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Born in Chicago to Charles Stroll and Estelle Rose Stroll in a Jewish family, Stroll enlisted in the United States Navy in the late 1940s then began his career as a bodybuilder in the 1950s.

He studied acting and singing at the American Theater Wing in New York City and received a Fulbright Scholarship for voice performance, followed by an artist's contract for performance and advance study by the National Broadcasting Company.[1]

He did a variety of stage work and from 1958 onwards he had bit parts on television shows such as How to Marry a Millionaire and Sea Hunt. He appeared in two episodes of The Twilight Zone, "Eye of the Beholder" (1960) and "The Trade-Ins" (1962). He played Dynamite in the Elvis Presley film G.I. Blues (1960). He then landed a steady role on McHale's Navy as Virgil Edwards.

Fans of the slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges remember Stroll for his roles in two 1960s-era feature films: Snow White and the Three Stooges and The Three Stooges in Orbit.[2]

In the 1960s, Stroll co-owned a men's high fashion seconds shop in Beverly Hills.

Throughout the 2000s, Stroll provided voice-overs, and he occasionally appeared at Hollywood autograph signing shows, near his home in Marina del Rey, California.

Stroll was a licensed ship's captain and marine surveyor.

Death

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Stroll died of cancer on July 18, 2011, at the age of 82.[1][3]

References

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Edson Stroll

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Edson Stroll (January 6, 1929 – July 18, 2011) was an American actor recognized for his supporting roles in mid-20th-century television and film, particularly as Virgil Edwards in the ABC sitcom (1962–1966). Born in , , Stroll served in the after high school before pursuing acting, studying at the with support from the . His screen career spanned from 1958 to 1988, encompassing over 20 credits, including guest appearances on acclaimed anthology series (1959–1964), where he portrayed characters in two episodes: young John Holt in "The Trade-Ins" and Walter Smith in "The Eye of the Beholder." He also featured in popular programs such as (1964), Batman (1966), (1974), and (1985). In cinema, Stroll debuted notably as (Quatro) in the fantasy comedy and (1961), alongside the comedy trio and . Additional film roles included the Western (1967) with , the science fiction thriller Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), and the comedy (1976). Beyond acting, Stroll leveraged his naval background to become a licensed U.S. captain of commercial vessels in the and a certified marine surveyor from 1969, occasionally testifying as an expert witness in maritime cases; he also qualified as a real estate appraiser. Stroll, who never married and had no children, died of cancer in , at age 82, with his ashes scattered privately at sea.

Early life

Birth and family background

Edson Roy Stroll, sometimes referred to as Edward Roy Stroll, was born on January 6, 1929, in , . He was the son of Charles Stroll, an interior decorator born in 1895 in who died in 1946, and Estelle Rose Stroll, a dressmaker born c. 1900 in . His parents married in 1925 in the , New York, and divorced in 1933. The family was of Jewish heritage, with immigrant roots from and that shaped their cultural upbringing. Following the , Stroll spent his early childhood in with his mother in a working-class household amid financial challenges. The family relocated to , including a period in an noted in the 1940 census. Stroll had a younger half-brother, Bertram Stroll, born in 1944 from his father's second marriage and who died in 1946.

Military service and education

Following his high school graduation in , where he was raised in a disciplined family environment that instilled a strong , Edson Stroll enlisted in the United States in the late . During his naval service, Stroll developed a keen interest in maritime activities, which later influenced his maritime career. After completing his military service, Stroll pursued formal training in the , studying and at the American Theater Wing in . His dedication to vocal performance earned him a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship specifically for voice training, which supported advanced artistic development.

Career

Early career and bodybuilding

After his discharge from the in the late 1940s, Edson Stroll transitioned into in the early , capitalizing on his imposing height of 6 feet (1.83 m) and the athletic physique he had developed during . Stroll engaged in bodybuilding activities that emphasized his physical prowess, including posing as a "" model for physique magazines and photographers throughout the and into the , which helped cultivate his visual appeal for potential on-screen work. These endeavors marked his initial foray into , with Stroll making his professional debut around through minor uncredited appearances in films and , gradually building visibility and leading to talent contracts. His bodybuilding foundation proved instrumental in securing early opportunities that demanded a strong, athletic build, laying the groundwork for more prominent roles in the .

Film roles

Edson Stroll began his film career in the late , appearing in over a dozen theatrical films from the late through the , often in supporting roles that highlighted his athletic build and comedic timing. His early breakout came in 1960 with the role of , a tough , in Elvis Presley's musical comedy , where his imposing physical presence added to the film's energetic ensemble dynamics. This part marked a significant step from his bodybuilding background, allowing him to portray physically demanding characters in lighthearted narratives. In 1961, Stroll portrayed (also known as Quatro) in the fantasy comedy Snow White and the Three Stooges, a production that blended elements with humor featuring the iconic trio. His regal yet athletic depiction of the prince capitalized on his muscular physique, contributing to the film's whimsical action sequences and visual appeal. The following year, he appeared in , playing Captain Tom Andrews in this spoof, where his role supported the Stooges' chaotic inventions and battles against alien invaders, further emphasizing his suitability for physically comedic, genre-blending parts. Throughout his film work, Stroll's roles frequently drew on his pre-acting experience as a bodybuilder, positioning him in comedic and action-oriented supporting positions that showcased strength and humor without overshadowing leads. Additional notable roles included the Western The War Wagon (1967) with , the thriller Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), and the comedy The Boatniks (1976). These contributions helped define his niche in cinema, blending athleticism with the era's popular comedy-sci-fi hybrids.

Television roles

Stroll's most notable television role was as Virgil Edwards, a handsome and flirtatious known for his sharpshooting skills, in the ABC sitcom . He appeared in all 138 episodes of the series, which aired from 1962 to 1966 and followed the misadventures of a crew during . This recurring part showcased his comedic timing within the ensemble cast, leveraging his real-life U.S. Navy service to add authenticity to the military humor. Earlier in his career, Stroll guest-starred in two episodes of the anthology series . In season 2, episode 6, "Eye of the Beholder" (aired November 11, 1960), he played , a doctor involved in a dystopian plot. He later appeared in season 3, episode 31, "The Trade-Ins" (aired April 13, 1962), portraying the younger version of protagonist John Holt in a story exploring rejuvenation and marital devotion. Beyond these highlights, Stroll accumulated over a dozen television credits from 1958 through the 1970s, primarily in anthology dramas and light comedies. His debut came as a guest on the in 1958, followed by appearances in shows such as (1964), Batman (1966), It's About Time (1967) as Brak, Hawaii Five-O in the early 1970s, (1974), and (1985). These roles often capitalized on his physical presence and comedic flair, paralleling his film work in ensemble comedies like those with .

Later life and death

Business ventures and other pursuits

In addition to his acting career, Stroll was involved with Gentlemen's Resale West, a men's resale business, and filed a against the company in 1971 related to business disputes. From the onward, Stroll engaged in work for commercials and animated projects, continuing this activity into his later years. His vocal talents, honed through years of performance, allowed him to contribute to various audio productions. During the 1990s and 2000s, Stroll participated in Hollywood autograph shows and fan conventions, where he met enthusiasts of his roles in series like and . For instance, he appeared at the 2004 Twilight Zone Convention in Hollywood, California. His early service, which granted him a maritime license, occasionally influenced side pursuits related to .

Personal interests and residences

Stroll never married and had no children, choosing instead to embrace an independent lifestyle that allowed him flexibility in his acting pursuits and personal endeavors. In his later years, he found companionship in two Yorkshire terriers, Eddie and Sugar Baby, who served as devoted pets and provided emotional support during his time in . Stroll maintained a long-term residence in , where he enjoyed the proximity to the and integrated a coastal lifestyle into his daily routine. This waterfront community aligned well with his maritime passions, which stemmed from his U.S. Navy service and included and other marine activities. As a member of the Marina Venice Yacht Club and the Classic Yacht Association, he frequently engaged in boating excursions, reflecting his deep affinity for the sea. Additionally, Stroll harbored a fondness for , blending his appreciation for with his oceanic interests.

Illness and death

In 2011, Edson Stroll was diagnosed with cancer and fought the illness for several months before succumbing to it on July 18, 2011, at age 82 in his Marina del Rey, California, residence. Following his death, Stroll was cremated, and a private scattering of his ashes was arranged with no formal funeral services. He was survived only by his two Yorkshire terriers, Eddie and Sugar Baby. Stroll's performing career had endured more than 50 years, commencing with television appearances in 1958 and continuing with voice-over work into the 2000s.
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