Actor Richard Coogan died on Wednesday, March 12 in Los Angeles. He was 99.He played "Captain Video" in CAPTAIN VIDEO AND HIS VIDEO RANGERS, which aired on the DuMont Television Network from 1949-55. The show was set in the distant future and revolved around a band of heroes fighting for truth and justice. It was broadcast live five to six days a week, usually starting at 7 p.m. ET, and was beloved by adults and children alike. Coogan starred as "Captain Vide"o until December 1950, when, unhappy with the show’s shoestring budget, he quit and was replaced by Al Hodge. AS THE WORLD TURNS legend played "The Video Ranger" during the entire run of the series.
A native of Short Hills, N.J., Coogan worked as an announcer and news anchor on radio before making his Broadway debut in 1945 in the comedy "Alice in Arms." He also appeared with Kirk Douglas in "Spring Again" and with Geraldine Page in "The Rainmaker," and while starring in CAPTAIN VIDEO, he also appeared opposite Mae West on stage in "Diamond Lil," taking a cab to get from one job to another.
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| LOVE OF LIFE stars Jean McBride, Peggy McCay and Richard Coogan. |
"She's a very conscientious actress, very serious," Coogan said in an Archive of American Television interview about McCay. "I was more inclined to laugh about something that would embarrass her."
Coogan was fired from LOVE OF LIFE over his contract demand for a laundry budget. After producer Roy Winsor denied his request, Coogan began shooting his scenes with a frayed collar in protest.