Soap Actor Forrest Compton Dead at 94 From Coronavirus
The daytime community lost a veteran actor when Forrest Compton died at the age of 94 on the morning of April 4. The Shelter Island Reporter reported that close friends of the actor confirmed his passing of complications from COVID-19 (coronavirus). Compton is best known to soap fans for his role on the long-running THE EDGE OF NIGHT, where he played attorney Mike Karr from 1970-1984.
Born in Reading, PA, Compton fought in World War II and then went to Swarthmore College to study pre-law and political science, but later switched to major in English. He also began acting in school theater productions and after graduation, earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama. He married Jeanne Sementini on Sept. 26, 1975.
Compton began his career in the mid-’50s appearing on television on shows like DEATH VALLEY DAYS, ROUTE 66. 77 SUNSET STRIP, and THE TWILIGHT ZONE. From 1964-69, the actor starred as Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gray on GOMER PYLE, USMC. During the same time, he also had a recurring role as Captain Geissler on HOGAN’S HEROES. In 1970, he joined the cast of THE EDGE OF NIGHT and was there when the soap switched from CBS to ABC in 1975.
Among his numerous roles in television, Compton also had brief stints on other daytime dramas including Alfred Corey on ANOTHER WORLD, Charles DeWitt on AS THE WORLD TURNS, Bill Whatley on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, John on ALL MY CHILDREN, and Dr. Godsham on LOVING. His final acting role was on the NBC sitcom ED in 2002, after which Compton retired to Shelter Island, NY.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time. For more on your favorite daytime stars, keep reading Soaps In Depth magazine.
