Buck Kartalian

Buck Kartalian was an American actor who specialized in character roles, starting out after Broadway producers noticed him and acting without ever taking lessons. He was born in Detroit to Armenian immigrants and grew up in New York City, later working as a bodybuilder and professional wrestler before turning to the stage. His Broadway credits included Romeo and Juliet, Golden Fleecing and One More River. Over a screen career that ran from 1953 until his retirement in 2006, he appeared in over 70 films and television shows. He was best known for playing the gorilla Julius in Planet of the Apes (1968) and the gorilla Frank in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972). His films also included Mister Roberts (1955), Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) and The Rock (1996). On television he had a regular role on Monster Squad and appeared on Batman, Get Smart and Friends.