Quick Facts
Biography
Vinton Hayworth (June 4, 1906 – May 21, 1970), also known as Jack Arnold and Vincent Haworth, was an American actor, playwright and screenwriter who began in weaselly and milquetoast roles and aged into dignified character parts. He appeared in over 90 films during his career, as well as on numerous television shows. He is most likely best known for his final role, that of General Schaeffer on the sit-com I Dream of Jeannie, which he played on the final three seasons of the show. He is the uncle to film legend, Rita Hayworth, as well as being the uncle (by marriage) of another screen legend, Ginger Rogers.
Career
Born in Washington, D.C., he began acting in his late teens. He was a pioneering radio announcer in the early 1920s, first in Washington, later in New York City, and then in Chicago. Subsequently, he appeared on numerous radio programs in various roles. He entered movies in 1933, under the stage name Jack Arnold and made appearances in small roles, usually played comically good-natured, sneaky characters. Although he did occasionally have larger parts, such as the starring role in 1937's China Passage, billed as Vinton Haworth. His appearances as Jack Arnold ended in the early 1940s and he did a two-year stint on Broadway from 1942-44 before returning to California. He made appearances in film from the late 1950s onward.
Hayworth was also one of the founders of AFRA (later AFTRA), the union representing radio and television artists, of which he was also the president from 1951-54.
Hayworth began appearing on television in the 1950s. He appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, Dennis the Menace, Petticoat Junction, Ripcord, Hazel, The Munsters, Green Acres (1965) and Dick Tracy (1967). He played Magistrado Carlos Galindo on Disney's Zorro (1957-1959). His final role was as General Winfield Schaeffer on I Dream of Jeannie between 1969 and 1970. Hayworth replaced Barton MacLane, who had played General Martin Peterson until his death in 1969. Both Hayworth and MacLane died before the final episodes that they appeared in were aired.
Death
Shortly after completing his recurring role of General Schaeffer in I Dream of Jeannie, Hayworth died of a heart attack on May 21, 1970. He died five days before I Dream of Jeannie aired its last first-run episode (May 26, 1970). His remains were cremated.
Personal
Hayworth was married to actress Jean Owens, Owens´s sister was Lela Ownes, mother of actress Ginger Rogers. Hayworth's elder sister was Volga Hayworth, mother of screen star Rita Hayworth, making Vinton Hayworth uncle of both Rita Hayworth and Ginger Rogers.