The Brief Life of Beloved Actor Frank Sutton (TV's 'Gomer Pyle'): 50 Years After His Tragic Death

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He was best known as Sargent Vince Carter on the beloved 1960s TV sitcom, Gomer Pyle, USMC, which originally aired on CBS from 1966 to 1969. His name is Frank Sutton, who died of a heart attack in 1974. He was only 51 years old, and this is his story.

A Closer Look

Frank Sutton was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee, and began acting in dramas at only 9 years old. Following his high school graduation, he graduated cum laude from Columbia University in Theatre Arts and found work as a radio announcer.

After failing the physical to become a U.S. Marine (which he later played on TV), Sutton, who had a Black Belt in Judo, then enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War II.

Following his duty with the military, Sutton returned to acting, with stage performances.

In 1959, the actor made his screen debut with a supporting role in the TV series, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.

Beyond Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C, Sutton went on to make several TV appearances including the groundbreaking small-screen crime drama, Deadline.

After Pyle was canceled, Sutton reteamed with that show's star, Jim Nabors, for the short-lived weekly TV variety show, The Jim Nabors Hour.

A Special Immortal Tribute

Today, Frank Sutton continues to be remembered with a statue in his hometown of Clarksville, TN.

Mark Holleman, a respected realtor in Clarksville, is one of the city's leaders who helped ignite the Sutton tribute. The Pekka Rinne statue, created by local sculptor, Scott Wise, is placed outside Bridgestone Arena.

According to WKRN, Holleman said, “We are proud of our community, proud downtown is coming alive and there is just so much going on at the new events center and it just adds another piece to the element and downtown Clarksville.”