Val Avery

Movie Actor

Birthday July 14, 1924

Birth Sign Cancer

Birthplace Philadelphia, PA

DEATH DATE Dec 12, 2009 (85)

#104044 Most Popular

About

His burly frame and pockmarked features got him cast as a tough guy in many films and television series. His credits include The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, The Magnificent Seven, The Sting II, and Kojak.

Before Fame

Born Sebouh Der Abrahamian, he acted in local Armenian Youth Theater productions and paused his acting career to serve in WWII.

Trivia

He was a favorite actor of director John Cassavetes, who cast him in several episodes of his Johnny Staccato television show and in five of his feature films.

Family Life

He was married to acclaimed stage actress Margot Stevenson for more than 50 years.

Associated With

He worked with Sidney Poitier on the 1957 film, Edge of the City, and was cast in Poitier's directorial effort, Let's Do It Again, in 1975.