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Adam Roarke

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Adam Roarke
Born
Richard Jordan Gerler

(1937-08-08)August 8, 1937
Brooklyn,New York,U.S.
DiedApril 27, 1996(1996-04-27)(aged 58)
Euless,Texas,U.S.
Occupation(s)actor, director
Years active1962–1994
Spouse
Carla DeLane Roarke
​
(m.1989)​
Children2

Adam Roarke(bornRichard Jordan Gerler,August 8, 1937 – April 27, 1996) was an American actor andfilm director.

Life and career[edit]

Roarke was born inBrooklyn, New York,where he was astreet gangmember during his youth.[1]His father was avaudevillecomedian and his mother was a chorus line dancer andshowgirl.[2]

Roarke began his acting career under the nameJordan Gerlerand thenJordan Grant;however, when he signed on withUniversal Studiosin 1957, he was told that he needed to change the name, because the studios already had one Mr. Grant (Cary Grant) under contract.

Roarke appeared in a number of television series during the late 1950s and early 1960s, including the role of Communications Officer Garrison in the originalStar Trekpilot. He appeared in a string ofAIPbiker pictures along withPeter Fonda,Jack Nicholson,andBruce Dernin the late 1960s, beginning withHells Angels on Wheels(1967), and culminating withThe Losers(subsequently retitledNam's Angels) in 1970. In 1974, Roarke appeared in the financially successful car chase filmDirty Mary, Crazy Larry,with Fonda andSusan George,a role which showcased his range of acting skills.

His breakout role came in 1980 when he portrayed Raymond Bailey, a self-important leading man whose stunt double was played bySteve RailsbackinThe Stunt Man.Peter O'Toolebefriended Roarke during filming, and the two became drinking pals. Unfortunately, Roarke was unable to keep up with O’Toole, and was hospitalized withdelirium tremensbefore shooting had concluded. Word spread around Hollywood quickly, and Roarke had difficulty finding work as a result. However, an offer to work on a low-budgetindependent filmbrought him to Austin, Texas, in 1982. At the time,Texashad a burgeoning movie industry—billing itself as the "Third Coast" —but lacked any real opportunities for aspiring film actors to learn their craft from industry veterans. Recognizing this need, Roarke opened the "Film Actors Lab" in the Dallas Communications Complex at the Studios inLas Colinas."Graduates" of his program includeDarryl Cox,Georganna Barry,Benton Jennings,Lar Park LincolnandLou Diamond Phillips.

Roarke died inEuless,Texas,of an apparentheart attack.

Personal life[edit]

In 1989 Roarke married Carla DeLane and they had one child together. A child from Roarke's previous marriage, Jordan Gerler, was also an actor, appearing inRolling Thunderin 1977.

Filmography[edit]

Director[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Adam Roarke Biography - Yahoo! MoviesArchivedMay 22, 2011, at theWayback Machine
  2. ^Adam Roarke - Trailer - Showtimes - Cast - Movies - New York Times

External links[edit]

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