Biography

Emory Bass (born Emory P. Bass, Jr.; August 12, 1925 – March 4, 2015) was an American theater and television actor. His television career included guest roles on Hart to Hart, Dark Shadows, Mr. Belvedere, Murder, She Wrote, and Webster. He also had a recurring role as Phipps in the ABC television series, Angie (1979–80).

Bass was born in Valdosta, Georgia to Estelle (née Johnston) and Emory P. Bass, Sr. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism. He then spent two years performing at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, after graduation before moving to New York City.

Bass began his professional career as a cast member of a touring production of the play, Glad Tidings, starring Tallulah Bankhead. He and Bankhead remained lifelong friends after the tour. Bass toured with the productions of Everybody Loves Opal, starring Nancy Walker; Time Out for Ginger, starring Art Carney; and Woman of the Year, starring Lauren Bacall.

In New York City, Bass appeared on Broadway in The Teahouse of the August Moon, Pal Joey, Can-Can, and the 1973 revival of Irene, starring Debbie Reynolds. Bass starred as James Wilson in both the original Broadway production of the musical, 1776, which opened in 1969, as well the 1972 film adaption, 1776.

Bass appeared in a number of Off Broadway productions, including Bad Habits, By Jupiter, The Boys from Syracuse, and Lysistrata. Outside the U.S., he starred in an overseas production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He was also the spokesperson and voice of the Discover Card's advertising campaign for three years.