Roy Stuart the man of many characters

Roy Stuart had a memorable face

The name Roy Stuart might not ring a bell, but if you watched television programming during a specific era his face should be familiar. Stuart was an entertainer who was notable during the 1960s and 1970s when he was everywhere on television screens. He stood 6 foot 2, with dark wavy hair, was handsome, humorous, and larger than life.

Stuart had a memorable face that is etched in the minds of those who recall his characters and performances but might not be able to recall his name. Such actors are thought of fondly because of their movies, television shows, or commercials. If, however, the viewing audience was asked they might not be able to identify these icons by name.

All actors portray characters but “character actors” are those in roles that support a series lead or the star. Often character actors are the backbone of a television show and they enhance the position of the person in the spotlight. Art Carney was in a supporting role to Jackie Gleason on THE HONEYMOONERS. His character Ed Norton was the bac up to Gleason’s Ralph Cramden but Carney often got more laughs from the audience.

Roy Stuart and Gomer Pyle

Roy Stuart is best known for portraying Corporal Chuck Boyle in the television series GOMER PYLE U.S.M.C. If you watched this popular sitcom you might not have known that the Corporal's name was Chuck because he was always addressed as Boyle.

No explanation was ever given for why Cpl. Boyle was replaced by Private Duke Slayter, (Ronnie Shell) but what is known is that after appearing in seasons 2, 3, and 4 of the series Stuart walked away. Perhaps this is when the actor decided to do other projects which added to the fame that came with his being on GOMER PYLE U.S.M.C.

The veteran character actor was born on July 17, 1927, in the Bronx and launched his career in New York, performing in nightclubs, films, and theater. His face may also be familiar because he appeared in more than 100 television commercials in the 1970s. One of his most memorable was the ad for Kendal Oil.

Corporal Boyle and guest appearances

As Cpl. Boyle, Stuart was eager to please Sgt. Vince Carter, who was portrayed by Frank Sutton. GOMER PYLE U.S.M.C starred Jim Nabors and ran from 1964-1969. Stuart was on the show from 1965 to 1968. As Cpl. Boyle, the actor often ran interference when Sargent Carter was about to punish Gomer.

Stuart also made guest appearances on television shows like BEWITCHED, GENERAL HOSPITAL, SANFORD AND SON, GOLDEN GIRLS, SANTA BARBERA, MISTER ED, and MAMA'S FAMILY. His stage credits include the BROADWAY productions of CAFE CROWN and CURTAIN GOING DOWN.

Sanford and Son and beyond

Stuart appeared in three episodes of SANFORD AND SON, as news reporter Lyle Martinson. In the 1976 episode The OddFather. Martinson interviewed Fred Sanford while he was hospitalized and in fear of Mr. Big. Roy Stuart was a long-standing member of Theatre West and was in local Theatre Forty productions of THE SUNSHINE BOYS and ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR. He also had roles in the following films.

1969 The Love God? (Joe Merkel)

1969 Three's a Crowd (Buzzy Grant)

1975 Linda Lovelace for President (Veep Candidate)

1985 Prime Risk (Mr. Fox)

1993 Eye of the Stranger (Leonard)

Roy Stuart's later life

Stuart passed away from cancer at age 78 on Christmas Day 2005. At the time he was a patient in the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. He was survived by his companion of 38 years, Claude Hubert. Thanks to MTV, TVOne, Decades TV, and other networks that have oldies programming, fans can continue watching Roy Stuart on GOMER PYLE U.S.M.C and Sanford in Son. Streaming services also offer these popular series so check your local listings.