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Hugh O'Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe; April 19, 1925) is an American actor, known for his starring role in the ABC television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961). O'Brian was born in Rochester, New York, the son of Hugh John Krampe, a career United States Marine Corps officer, and his wife Edith Krampe. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois (as did Rock Hudson, Charlton Heston, Ann-Margret, and many other future stars), and later Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri. He lettered in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. O'Brian dropped... MORE

Hugh O'Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe; April 19, 1925) is an American actor, known for his starring role in the ABC television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961). O'Brian was born in Rochester, New York, the son of Hugh John Krampe, a career United States Marine Corps officer, and his wife Edith Krampe. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois (as did Rock Hudson, Charlton Heston, Ann-Margret, and many other future stars), and later Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri. He lettered in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. O'Brian dropped out of the University of Cincinnati after one semester to enlist in the Marine Corps during World War II. Only 17, he became the youngest Marine drill instructor. After World War II, O'Brian moved to Los Angeles to study at UCLA. He was discovered on the stage by Ida Lupino who signed him to a film, Never Fear, she was directing that led to a contract with Universal Pictures. O'Brian replaced Bud Abbott in what began as an Abbott and Costello movie, Fireman Save My Child (1954), with Buddy Hackett cast in the Lou Costello role, and Spike Jones and his band also appearing at length. He was chosen to LESS