Thayer David

David Thayer Hersey (March 4, 1927 – July 17, 1978), known professionally as Thayer David, was an American actor. He was best known to television audiences for his roles on the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows (1966–71). His notable film roles included Count Saknussemm in the film Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959), Reverend Silas Pendrake in Little Big Man (1970), Charlie Robbins in Save the Tiger (1973), Dragon in The Eiger Sanction (1975), fight promoter Miles Jergens in Rocky (1976), and private detective Nero Wolfe in the 1979 ABC television film. He also appeared in numerous Broadway plays, and his raspy, distinctive voice lent itself to voice-over work in commercials and instructional films.