James Gregory (December 23, 1911 – September 16, 2002) was a prominent American actor celebrated for various memorable performances. He is most recognized for his roles as Schaffer in Al Capone (1959), the McCarthy-esque Senator John Iselin in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), General Ursus in Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), and Inspector Frank Luger in the beloved sitcom Barney Miller (1975–1982). Gregory's upbringing took place in New Rochelle, New York, where he was elected president of the Drama Club during his high school years. Following the stock market crash of 1929, he worked on Wall Street as a runner.
In 1935, he gained professional status as a summer stock actor, performing in various plays across New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. With a group of fellow actors, he toured small towns in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, performing in local venues such as school gyms and churches, earning a modest $25 for their efforts. Gregory made his Broadway debut in the 1939 production of "Key Largo" and continued to act in around 25 Broadway shows over the next 16 years, though his career was temporarily interrupted when he served three years in the Navy and Marine Corps during World War II.
After the war, Gregory married Anne Miltner in 1944, with whom he shared a long marriage until his passing. He garnered praise from prominent critics throughout his Broadway career. Transitioning to television in the 1950s, he gained fame as part of The Twilight Zone’s pilot episode. Gregory's portrayal of Inspector Luger in Barney Miller remains one of his most cherished roles, highlighting his blend of humor and charm. He retired in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of over 100 television and film credits.
