Arthur Peterson, Jr.

Arthur Peterson Jr. (November 18, 1912 – October 31, 1996) was an American actor. He played character and supporting roles on stage, television, and feature films. On television, he played the Major in the TV series Soap (1977–1981). Early life Born and raised in Mandan, North Dakota, Peterson first obtained a degree in theater from the University of Minnesota before becoming a professional actor with the first Federal Theatre Project. Peterson made his media debut in 1937 with the central role on the radio serial The Guiding Light. During World War II, Peterson fought within General Patton's Third Army. Acting career In the era of old-time radio, Peterson portrayed Wilton Comstock on Bachelor's Children, Bill Baxter on The Baxters, Judge Parsons on The Tom Mix Ralston Straightshooters, and John Ruthledge on Guiding Light. In 1949, Peterson appeared in the ABC network's first sitcom, That's O'Toole. In 1960, he appeared in the episode “The Peace Officer” (S6E6) in the TV Western Gunsmoke, as well as in 1961 as “Sam Frazer” in “A Man A Day” and in 1966 as a “Drunk” in “Champion of the World”.