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His slow burn made him famous


Paul Reed, "Car 54, Where Are You?"
Paul Reed of "Car 54, Where Are You?"

Paul Reed (June 16, 1909 - April 2, 2007).

Paul Reed (born Sidney Kahn) was an American actor known for his trademark "slow burn", which he made famous in his role as Captain Paul Block on Car 54, Where Are You? The show ended its run on September 8, 1963, after 60 episodes.


He continued to work on Broadway and in sitcoms through the 1960s, appearing in various episodes of Bewitched, The Donna Reed Show, Beverly Hillbillies and I Dream of Jeannie. In 1956, his comedic talents came forward as a foil for Sid Caesar in Caesar's Hour.


Reed guests in two episodes of The Donna Reed Show: “Trees” (Season 8, Episode 9) as well as “My Son, the Councilman” (Season 8, Episode 17).


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