Biography
Thayer David (born David Thayer Hersey) was an American actor. He was born on 4 March 1927 in Medford, Massachusetts, and died on 17 July 1978 in New York City.
He attended Harvard University but left to pursue theatre, co-founding the Brattle Theater Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He appeared in numerous Broadway productions and stage roles, including the Inquisitor in a 1956 Phoenix Theater production of Shaw's Saint Joan.
David was known for film roles including Count Saknussemm in Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959), the Reverend Silas Pendrake in Little Big Man (1970), Dragon in The Eiger Sanction (1975) and George 'Miles' Jergens in Rocky (1976). He also appeared in television series such as Dark Shadows (1966–1971), Columbo, Roots (1977) and the television film Nero Wolfe (1979). His distinctive voice was used in commercials and voice-over work. He was married to actress Valerie French from 1970 to 1975.
