Hugh O'Brian "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp"
O'Brian was born Hugh Charles Krampe 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 become 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 she was directing Never Fear that led to a contract with Universal Pictures. He was chosen to portray legendary lawman Wyatt Earp on ABC, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp which debuted in 1955. Alongside Gunsmoke, which debuted the same year, these shows spearheaded the "adult western" TV genre, where the emphasis is on character development as opposed to mere moral sermonizing. It soon became one of the top-rated shows on television.
Pam Slay Senior VP Network Program Publicity - Hallmark Channels
Hallmark Channel is the quintessential 24-hour television destination for family-friendly programming and a leader in the production of original movies. The network launched in 2001 and brings to audiences a brand with a 100-year legacy that resonates with consumers. Hallmark Channel has been one of the fastest-growing major ad-supported cable networks since its launch, and is seen in nearly 90 million homes across the United States. It has a stellar reputation and strong ratings which often rank the channel in the top 10 in Prime Time. The network is presented fully in high definition (HD). A staple to the network, Hallmark Channel’s original movies are characterized by strong storytelling through compelling themes and vibrant characters. Complementing its movie schedule, Hallmark Channel also presents a mix of popular television series, including “The Golden Girls,” “Cheers,” “7th Heaven” and programming from the library of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Hallmark Channel continues to expand its offerings to viewers through its companion network, Hallmark Movie Channel, available in both standard definition (SD) and in high definition (HD). Launched in April 2008, Hallmark Movie Channel in HD is simulcast alongside Hallmark Movie Channel SD, and offers audiences an unparalleled viewing experience. Hallmark Movie Channel, the fastest- growing cable TV network in 2009 and now in 34 million homes, is a 24-hour digital cable network dedicated to bringing viewers the very best family movies of all time with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, Hallmark Channel Original Movies and some Hallmark Movie Channel Original Movie premieres. Hallmark Channel, along with its sibling network Hallmark Movie Channel, serves as the exclusive cable home to the prestigious Hallmark Hall of Fame library, the longest-running and most-awarded movie series in television’s history.
