Judd Clifton Holdren (October 16, 1915 – March 11, 1974) was an American film actor who starred in science fiction movies. He was best known for his starring roles in the serials Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere (1951), Zombies of the Stratosphere (1952), The Lost Planet (1953), and the semi-serial Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe (1953). He committed suicide in 1974.
Early life He was born near Villisca, Iowa, the fifth of 10 children in a farming family, and showed early interest in an acting career. He dropped out of high school to travel to Omaha, Nebraska, where he gained experience at the Omaha Playhouse.
During World War II, he served in the United States Coast Guard on the USS General H. B. Freeman (AP-143), then moved to Hollywood. While in the Coast Guard, he rose to the rank of commander. His first regular employment there was as a male model.
Career Most of his early film parts were uncredited bits, including All the King's Men (1949) and Francis the Talking Mule (1950).
Holdren soon won lead roles in the war comedy Purple Heart Diary (1951) co-starring Frances Langford, as well as Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere (1951) the serial version of the adventures of Captain Video, becoming the third actor (after Richard Coogan and Al Hodge) to assume the role of the heroic Captain. Holdren portrayed Aramis in the Three Musketeers adventure film Lady in the Iron Mask (1952) starring Louis Hayward as D'Artagnan and Patricia Medina in the titular role. After The Lost Planet (1953), Holdren tried to maintain a foothold in feature films and TV, but with limited success.
He appeared in a number of ongoing TV series, such as Dragnet and The Lone Ranger, but usually in bit parts, often uncredited. His last significant film appearances were in very minor roles in feature films like Jeanne Eagels (1957), Ice Palace (1960), and The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond (1960). The rapidity of his descent is indicated by the fact that in Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe (1953) he plays the lead role and Richard Crane plays his (semi-comical) sidekick, whereas in the TV series Rocky Jones Space Ranger (1953–54) Richard Crane plays the lead role and Holdren has a walk-on part in two episodes as "Ranger Higgins".
After 1960, Holdren became a full-time insurance salesman. During his Hollywood years, he was seen in public as the escort of many different Hollywood beauties, but he never married.
Death Holdren committed suicide on March 11, 1974, by a gunshot to the head.
He is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1949 All the King's Men Politician Uncredited 1950 Francis First Ambulance Man Uncredited Rocketship X-M Reporter #3 Uncredited Lonely Heart Bandits Trooper Uncredited Frisco Tornado Henchman Uncredited Revenue Agent Squad Car Officer Uncredited Mystery Submarine Wireless Operator Uncredited 1951 The Lady Pays Off Face Purple Heart Diary Lt. Mike McCormick Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere Captain Video Serial 1952 Gold Fever Jud Jerson Lady in the Iron Mask Aramis Zombies of the Stratosphere Larry Martin 1953 The Lost Planet Rex Barrow Serial Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe Commando Cody Serial1954 This Is My Love Doctor Raines 1957 Spoilers of the Forest Mr. Peyton Uncredited Jeanne Eagels Young Actor on Equity Board Uncredited The Amazing Colossal Man Robert Allen Uncredited 1958 Space Master X-7 First Officer Jared Uncredited The Buccaneer Maj. Reed The Power of the Resurrection Temple Officer 1959 The FBI Story Party Guest Uncredited 1960 Ice Palace Muriel's Escort Uncredited The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond Haberdashery Clerk Uncredited1963 Critic's Choice 2nd Opponent Uncredited, (final film role)
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