Morning Man Classic: Van Williams!

This uncommonly handsome man is actor Van Williams who was born 91 years ago today.

The former actor, who died in 2016 at age 82, was best known for his television role as Britt Reid/the Green Hornet when teamed for one season with the late Bruce Lee as his partner Kato, in the television series The Green Hornet, broadcast on ABC during the 1966–67 season.

He’s also known for his earlier leading role as Kenny Madison in both Warner Bros. television detective series Bourbon Street Beat and its sequel, Surfside 6.

Van was a diving instructor in the 1950s when he was discovered by producer Mike Todd (third husband of Elizabeth Taylor and, along with Richard Burton, the love of her life) who suggested he try acting.

He went on to appear in the 1960 film Tall Story with Jane Fonda and the 1963 film Caretakers. He was also a series regular Pat Burns in ABC’s The Tycoon with Walter Brennan, appeared in several episodes of the old Batman series as Green Hornet and starred in the NBC Saturday morning series Westwind for a season.

Van retired from acting in the early 1980s.