Rex Reason

November 30, 1928 – November 19, 2015

Berlin, Germany

Rex Reason was an American actor born on November 30, 1928, in Berlin, Germany, to American parents. He grew up in Los Angeles and initially had no acting aspirations, but his mother encouraged both him and his brother Rhodes Reason to pursue acting careers. Reason's acting journey began when he played the lead in "Seventh Heaven" at Glendale's Hoover High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, serving from 1946 to 1948. After his discharge, he enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse and became involved in little theater. His film career started with a leading role in "Storm Over Tibet" (1952). Reason then signed with Universal-International in 1953, where he appeared in several notable films. He is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Cal Meacham in the science fiction classic "This Island Earth" (1955). Reason's career also included television work. He starred in two series: the syndicated western "Man Without a Gun" (1957-1959) and the ABC/Warner Bros. drama "The Roaring Twenties" (1960-1962). Known for his tall stature (6'2"), handsome looks, and distinctive baritone voice, Reason left the entertainment industry in the early 1960s to pursue a career in real estate. He was married three times and had two children from his first marriage. Rex Reason passed away on November 19, 2015, in Walnut, California, at the age of 86 due to bladder cancer.