I remember Victor French from an episode of "Gunsmoke" called "Kiowa". In it he played a rancher whose daughter was stolen by Native Americans. However, this was not the usual story-it turns out the rancher was half Native American and the girl was stolen to force him back to the tribe to see his dying mother. Something rare for television in the stereotypical 1960's when this episode was produced. The episode portrayed Native Americans, simply as people and not as "Indians". Victor French did a beautiful job of dramatic acting and in fact,I believe that this episode of"Gunsmoke" is the best work that he ever did! His comedic talents were often evident on"Highway To Heaven" in the role of the ex-cop Mark, the sidekick of Mike Landon's angelic Jonathan Smith. Victor French passed away, sadly, at the age of 54.
Mr. French will always be one of my all time favorites because his character on Little House on the Prairie (Edwards) made such an impact on me growing up. This was unbeknownst to me, until I began whistling the Old Dan Tucker song to myself at work. This song brings back old childhood memories of good and simpler times. If Victor was still alive today, I would think him for each time, that Old Dan Tucker comes to the for front of my day to day worries and brings me back to a time when my biggest worry was missing an episode of Little House and the jolly man I knew and will always know as “Edwards”.
Thank you, Mr. French.
Chris Smith
Mac-Ale
Jeanniefan78
