MovieChat Forums > Dragnet 1967 (1967) Discussion > How old is Gannon supposed to be?

How old is Gannon supposed to be?

posted 10 years ago by Debater-Mouse
13 replies | jump to latest

Any idea why he hasn't made Sergeant? Oh and is Gannon supposed to be younger than Friday? Thank you in advance

[–] mactach 10 years ago

Now why would you ask if Gannon's supposed to be younger?

Pretty obvious question.

Even Frank Smith Friday's partner from the original show was older.

[–] Debater-Mouse 10 years ago

Now why would you ask if Gannon's supposed to be younger?

Because someone at work told me Gannon was supposed to be younger than Friday and I didn't believe it. But she was so insistent that I figured I'd ask
I was hoping for some help because I can't look that up right now.

[–] Lordfogg 10 years ago

Gannon is definitely older than Friday. If you watch the movie Dragnet '66 Gannon actually retires only to return to the force a few months after. Plus Gannon implies he's older a few times in the series as well. What made your coworker so sure he was younger than Friday?

[–] jamesbwill 10 years ago

In real life, Harry Morgan was born in 1915 and Jack Webb in 1920.

That was probably the difference in their characters' ages.

Harry would have been in his early 50s and Jack in his late 40s during the series. I guess that's not too old for a police detective, especially on TV.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] ridgerunner72160-609-362419 10 years ago

Gannon was 39 years old. Throughout the series and into MASH he was 39. Jack Benny taught him well. Always lie about your age.

[–] momsabeach 10 years ago

In the episode Public Affairs he says his eyebrows have been fine for 45 years. He was having make up put on for a tv panel show

A daffy woman constantly strives to become a star.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] wheresjohnny 10 years ago

Gannon always looked like an older guy, maybe about 57, or at least in his 50s. Harry brought a lot to the show, but it always seemed to work against his reputation, like it was hard to believe Harry was actually a good actor. Appearing on Dragnet was a lower tier in acting, like appearing in an Elvis movie from '65 on (which Harry did too). It was an indication your career was sorta shot. And I like the show...but it was like not being in the big leagues anymore as an actor.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] bradford-1 10 years ago

Huh? The second DRAGNET drew consistently high ratings, maybe not top 10, but usually top 30. And Harry Morgan was one of the busiest character actors of his time, first in films, then on TV. DRAGNET was just one rung on his ladder. After DRAGNET ended, Morgan had a nearly unbroken string of credits until 1994, when he was 85-86! How many actors can say that? I've never counted, but I bet Morgan would rival Robert Urich for the amount of TV series he co-starred in.
May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?

[–] fcolli 10 years ago

"Any idea why he hasn't made Sergeant?"

It's possible that he didn't qualify for Sergeant due to a lack of higher education, although this is pure speculation. But don't forget that he was eventually promoted to Captain for the Ackroyd-Hanks movie.

I disagree with what you are saying, but I will fight to your death for your right to say it;-)

[–] 10 years ago

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