While doing my reseach for a book on Anissa Jones, I ran across a little story about what a truly terrific man Frank Sutton was. Anissa Jones, who portrayed "Buffy" on Family Affair had occasion to run into Frank Sutton, Sgt. Carter at CBS Television City. Instead of meeting the rough and grough character so evident in his portrayal of Sgt. Carter, Anissa was stunned to meed one of the most polite and charming men she ever met during her journey through life, especially during her time in Hollywood. She was quite taken aback by this kind decent man.

I have had occasion to create a couple of websites in honor of Anissa. I would be interested as to what you think. Please let me know.
http://members.tripod.co.uk/bkohatl/index.html http://www.geocities.com/bkohatl2001/AnissaJonesandPaulJones.html?967380108220

------------------
Brian

My uncle was Frank Sutton. Uncle Frank was as gental as a kitten and as sweet as a 100 pound bag of sugar.I am now 43 years old and still remember that seeing him was a joy to all that knew him. He will always be in my heart and to me he has never died. I love you Uncle Frank and you are part of us all.

Ricky,

How lucky you were, as a kid I remember wishing Frank Sutton was my dad, I swear that's true! I loved him and thought he was just wonderful, my all time favorite! We would play Army all day but would take a break when it was time for Gomer Pyle.

Limly

I think the best part of Gomer Pyle was Sgt. Carter. Frank Sutton was such a great actor, who else could yell so much but be so loveable and likeable. Its been over 25 years since his death, and I remember hearing it on the news like it was yesterday. We still miss you Sarg( I can't hear you, move it move it move it).

Originally posted by ricky51858@aol.com:
My uncle was Frank Sutton. Uncle Frank was as gental as a kitten and as sweet as a 100 pound bag of sugar.I am now 43 years old and still remember that seeing him was a joy to all that knew him. He will always be in my heart and to me he has never died. I love you Uncle Frank and you are part of us all.

What a wonderful tribute for your uncle! I always enjoyed his character. I was very sad when I learned he died at such a young age.

he was one of the funniest characters ever!! plus he played a good "straight man"..

I'd say Frank Sutton & Don Knotts (as Mr. Furley) were the 2 BEST secondary comics on a show.. who knew how to hold back and let other people shine.. BUT at the sametime, were soooooo funny!!!

Frank Sutton was one of the great ones. It must have been a pleasure to have known him personally.

Ricky, you lost a beloved uncle who enriched your life, the rest of us lost a beloved actor who enriched ours.

In my opinion, the two most under rated comedy actors in the history of television are Edward Platt (the Chief of Control on "Get Smart") and Frank Sutton.

Ricky, that's awesome that Frank Sutton was your uncle...can you give us some insight on what his feelings were about Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.? I'll bet that was a fun show to make and be a part of...What other shows/movies was he in? Funny thing, I saw him the other day as a celebrity contestant on a late-60s "Password" on the Game Show channel. His was probably the first "celebrity" death that I remember hearing about, and I remember how sad I was when I heard the news...my brother and sister and I all loved his work...even my Dad (retired Major, US Army) used to love to say "move it move it move it" just the way Sgt. Carter did... Sutton was a great man and a great actor, and even those of us who never "knew" him, miss him very much.

I enjoyed Frank's portrayl of SGT Carter for many years in syndication. Even at a very young age, I knew he was perfect for that role. I'll never forget reading about his death from a heart attack on June 28th 1974. I was only 9 years old but to this day, it's still the very first celebrity obituary I can ever recall reading. Frank also gives an excellent performance in The Twilight Zone episode: The Dummy which stars my favorite actor, Cliff Robertson. Ironically, one year later on June 28th 1975, Rod Serling passed away from complications from open heart surgery.

Originally posted by redrocker22
I enjoyed Frank's portrayl of SGT Carter for many years in syndication. Even at a very young age, I knew he was perfect for that role. I'll never forget reading about his death from a heart attack on June 28th 1974. I was only 9 years old but to this day, it's still the very first celebrity obituary I can ever recall reading. Frank also gives an excellent performance in The Twilight Zone episode: The Dummy which stars my favorite actor, Cliff Robertson. Ironically, one year later on June 28th 1975, Rod Serling passed away from complications from open heart surgery.

I loved The Dummy ep. That ep rocked.

Ricky, I would like to echo the sentiments of the other posters here.
I mean, I was born in 1972, but I grew up on reruns of Gomer Pyle, USMC and always enjoyed watching it.
I can honestly say that even though I didn't know your uncle Frank Sutton personally, I somehow feel like I do through my appreciation of his truly great work on television.

Agreed! Frank Sutton was my all-time favorite. The show would have fallen flat if not for him. Originally, he was only scheduled to be Gomer's boot camp sargeant, but he grew so popular, that he became a permanent member of the cast. It is wonderful to hear that he was such a pussycat in real life. I still miss him. Gone MUCH too soon!

Frank Sutton made a good show into a great show!

i love gomer pyle but mr sutton made the show. his facial and body mannerisms were inimitable he is very much missed. however he will live forever through his portrayal. thanks frank

Frank Sutton was perfect for the roll of Sgt. Carter. He was the biggest reason I watched Gomer Pyle, USMC. In a small way, Frank Sutton\Sgt. Carter was one of the reason I joined the Marines.

I remember when Frank Sutton passed away, even the headline. It was in the Saturday newspaper and it said "Gomer's Sarge Dies". He was so young too.

I agree Brian -- he was a phenomenal actor! He and Jim Nabors together were such a perfect match! I particularly love his facial expressions -- they seemed so real. There are two shows I usually watch every night before going to bed, Sanford and Son and Gomer Pyle -- I thank those actors for years of laughter!! I don't think we'll ever see shows like this again!

I wish I could get my hand on a dvd or vhs of the whole series.
Veronica M. Cunningham
http://www.Number1Superfood-OPRAHshow.com
"'Success is helping others be successful who want it bad enough!"

To this day Frank Sutton is still my favorite actor/comedian.Sgt. Carter made the show.Sure I love Jim Nabors,but Frank Sutton still makes me laugh,no matter how many times I watch the shows.His talent was timeless and priceless.I would have given anything to meet him.

I'd say Frank Sutton & Don Knotts (as Mr. Furley) were the 2 BEST secondary comics on a show.. who knew how to hold back and let other people shine.. BUT at the sametime, were soooooo funny!!!


I agree completely!!!!