Danny Dayton

Danny Dayton (born Daniel David Segall, November 20, 1923 – February 6, 1999) was an American actor and television director. Beginning in the 1950s, he played many roles in film and on TV. He had a recurring role as Hank Pivnik on All in the Family and had guest roles in M*A*S*H, The Incredible Hulk, Charlie's Angels and The Love Boat.

Dayton was boan on November 20, 1923, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from the school of journalism at New York University (NYU), before turning to acting. He formed the first dramatic society at NYU. After he left NYU he joined the Army, helping to entertain troops as a member of Special Services.

Broadway plays in which Dayton performed included Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath (1950), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962), and I Had a Ball (1964).

Dayton's work with television dated back to the 1950s with Milton Berle on Texaco Star Theater. It included being a panelist on Keep Talking and associate producer of Masquerade Party. In addition to acting, Dayton also directed episodes of Occasional Wife, Here's Lucy, and the short-lived series Good Morning World.

Dayton married actress Dagmar in Las Vegas in May 1951. He had another wife, Arlene, and four children.

On August 17, 1960, a vehicle driven by Dayton struck and killed a 4 year old Connecticut girl.

On February 6, 1999, Dayton died of emphysema in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Dayton's work in directing TV commercials brought him three Clio Awards, the Cannes Film Festival Award, McMahon's Best 100, and the Addy Award for Excellence.