E.J. André

E. J. André, born in Detroit in 1908, worked as an American writer, director, and actor across stage, film, and television. After early work writing and directing for the Nine O'Clock Players, he made his film debut at age 48 in Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments (1956), playing the Sheik of Hazerath. Over the next 28 years he became a familiar character actor, often cast as uncles, grandfathers, doctors, farmers, educators, politicians, clergymen, and judges. His film credits included The Arrangement (1969), Papillon (1973), Haunts (1976), and Magic (1978). On television he guest-starred in many series, including Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Waltons, and Little House on the Prairie, where he was perhaps best known as Uncle Jed. He also played Eugene Bullock on Dallas and appeared in other shows. He died in 1984.