DURANGO, Colo., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Sam Edwards, a character actor who had roles in a variety of U.S. TV series and movies, from "Gunsmoke" to "Hello Dolly!" died at 89, it was reported Monday.
Edwards, who suffered a heart attack, died Wednesday at a hospital near his Durango, Colo., home, according to his stepson, William Edwards, the Los Angeles Times said.
The actor spent his entire life in show business, with his first role as a baby being held by his mother in a stage production, "Tess of the Storm Country."
In the 1930s, Edwards worked in radio drama which he continued until he was drafted into the Army in 1942 for three years.
After the Army, he returned to radio and by the early 1950s had started working in television.
One of Edwards' regular roles was as Mr. Anderson, the town banker in NBC's "Little House on the Prairie," starring from 1978 to 1983.
Edwards also did voiceover work and was the voice of Thumper in Disney's 1942 animated film "Bambi."
Edwards is survived by his wife, Beverly; his brother, Jack; three stepchildren; and several step-grandchildren.
