Black Sheep Squadron was an NBC television series which ran from 1976-1978 and followed Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington and his misfit fighter pilots during World War II in the Pacific Theater. It is loosely based on Boyington and Marine Attack Squadron 214 (commonly referred to as Black Sheep Squadron).
Black Sheep Squadron features an outstanding cast of both fictional and real historical characters who add excitement, drama, and comedy to its screens. Below are some notable names and their roles within Black Sheep Squadron.
1. Robert Conrad as Maj. Greg “Pappy” Boyington
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Robert Conrad shines as the charismatic and unconventional leader of Black Sheep Squadron. A skilled pilot and decorated war hero, Robert frequently clashes with his superiors – such as Colonel Lard – but deeply cares for his men and their mission.
Conrad was an actor of note during the 60s and 70s, best-known for roles on The Wild Wild West, The D.A. and Centennial. Additionally he gained notoriety as a singer, stuntman, boxer as well as serving as consultant to Black Sheep Squadron due to his close friendship with Pappy Boyington himself. Conrad passed away aged 84.
2. Simon Oakland portrays Brig. Gen. Thomas Moore.
Simon Oakland stars as Brigadier General Thomas Moore, commander of Boyington and his squadron. A firm but fair leader, Thomas must often contend with Boyington’s antics and insubordination; yet at the same time he respects their talents and achievements, providing as much assistance possible in order to support them.
Oakland was an accomplished actor, appearing in films and television series such as Psycho, West Side Story, The Night Stalker and Kolchak: The Night Stalker before passing away at age 68 in 1983.
3. Dana Elcar stars as Col. Thomas A. Lard.
Dana Elcar plays Colonel Thomas A. Lard, Boyington’s adversary at his base. Lard is an orderly officer who dislikes Boyington’s unconventional methods and rebellious style, often seeking ways to undermine or disrupt his missions.
Elcar was an exceptional actor, appearing in over one hundred films and TV shows such as The Sting, MacGyver, Baretta and Kojak before his untimely death at age 77 in 2005.
4. Dirk Blocker will play 1st Lieutenant Jerome “Jerry” Bragg.
Dirk Blocker portrays First Lieutenant Jerry Bragg, one of the original members of Black Sheep Squadron. A dedicated and reliable pilot who often acts as Boyington’s second-in-command. Furthermore, Jerry is friendly and entertaining enough to get along well with fellow pilots.
Dan Blocker is best known as Hoss Cartwright from Bonanza and gave birth to actor Ryan Blocker – an accomplished actor with many film and TV appearances including Poltergeist, Starman, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and MASH.
5. W. K. Stratton played Lawrence “Larry” Casey as his First Lieutenant.
W.K. Stratton portrays First Lieutenant Lawrence “Larry” Casey, one of the original members of Black Sheep Squadron. Known for being intelligent and resourceful pilot who often comes up with creative solutions for missions; Larry also enjoys flirting with women.
Stratton is an accomplished actor who has appeared in multiple movies and television shows such as Cannonball Run II, Hill Street Blues, Dynasty, and Murder She Wrote.
6. Jeff MacKay plays Lieutenant Donald French.
Jeff MacKay stars as First Lieutenant Donald French, an original member of the Black Sheep Squadron. An experienced pilot who often takes risks during combat, First Lieutenant French is both skilled and courageous – always there when needed and always staying loyal as an ally.
MacKay was an actor best known for appearing in several films and television series including Magnum P.I., JAG, Tales of the Gold Monkey and Battlestar Galactica. Additionally he was half brother to Robert Conrad before his passing at 60 in 2008.
7. Larry Manetti plays Lieutenant Bob Boyle.
Larry Manetti stars as Lieutenant Bob Boyle, one of the new recruits who join the Black Sheep Squadron during season two. A boastful and confident pilot, Bob likes to show off his abilities by impressing women he meets while still remaining a dedicated teammate who respects Boyington’s leadership.
Manetti has appeared in various films and TV shows such as Magnum P.I., Cool Hand Luke, The A-Team and Hawaii Five-0 – often working alongside Robert Conrad.
8. Robert Ginty plays T.J. Wiley in this production.
Robert Ginty portrays First Lieutenant Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Wiley, one of several new recruits to join Black Sheep Squadron during Season 2. TJ is an unassuming yet capable pilot with an unknown past who can often come through with saving grace thanks to his martial arts knowledge and fighting skills.
Ginty was an actor best known for appearing in films and TV shows such as The Exterminator, Coming Home, The Paper Chase and Falcon Crest. Additionally he served as director, producer and writer. Unfortunately Ginty passed away at 60 in 2009.
9. John Larroquette portrays 2nd Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Anderson.
John Larroquette plays Second Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Anderson, an inexperienced but nervous pilot who joins Black Sheep Squadron during Season Two. Though often making mistakes and running into difficulties, Bob remains kind and honest while trying to fit in with his teammates.
John Larroquette has appeared in various films and TV series, such as Night Court, The John Larroquette Show, The Librarians and Stripes. Additionally he works both as comedian and voice actor.
10. James Whitmore Jr. stars as Captain James Gutterman.
James Whitmore Jr. portrays Captain James “Jim” Gutterman, an original member of Black Sheep Squadron who departs during Season 2. As an experienced pilot who often leads missions and mentors younger pilots. Furthermore, he remains close with Boyington and his men.
Whitmore Jr is the son of actor James Whitmore who appeared in films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Planet of the Apes and Tora! Tora! Tora! Now himself an actor appearing in films and television shows such as Hunter, NCIS: Los Angeles and The Rockford Files as well as winning awards as both director and producer, Whitmore Jr has also become himself an accomplished filmmaker and producer.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q: What Does Black Sheep Squadron Encompass?
A: Black Sheep Squadron is an animated television series which follows Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington and his group of misfit fighter pilots during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Q: Are the events depicted in Black Sheep Squadron based on true accounts?
A: Black Sheep Squadron is loosely inspired by Boyington and Marine Attack Squadron 214 (commonly referred to as “Black Sheep Squadron”) but takes many creative liberties when depicting historical facts and events.
Q: Where can I watch Black Sheep Squadron?
A: Black Sheep Squadron can be watched online through Peacock and Amazon Prime Video, purchased or rented through iTunes, Google Play, YouTube and Vudu, or streamed live with Amazon Instant Video.
Q: How many seasons and episodes exist of Black Sheep Squadron?
A: Black Sheep Squadron spans two seasons and 36 episodes, the first including 23 installments while season two includes 13 episodes.
Q: Who have been the featured guest stars on Black Sheep Squadron?
A: Black Sheep Squadron featured numerous guest stars such as Anne Francis, Kent McCord, Leslie Charleson, Clyde Kusatsu, Peter Donat and Donald Petrie – in Soon Tek Oh by Lloyd Kino featuring Dale Ishimoto James Saito Muni Zano for Jason Corbett Dana Gladstone Richard Brown Michael Boyle J P Bumstead Frederick Herrick Linda Scruggs Charles Napier John Durren Marcus K Mukai Pappy Boyington himself along with many others as guest stars.
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