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"I liked the whole idea of the episode. Going back in time, it's very confusing and mysterious, but it's also fascinating." Roger Perry is one of the classic performers of our time. After originally starting his career in 1958, Perry would go on to star in 96 projects, including Star Trek and The Six Million Dollar Man. Outside of his work as an actor, Perry also served in the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer during the 50s.

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Known for his leading-man good looks, Perry would make a splash in just about every genre under the sun. Tragically, Perry would pass away in 2018 at the age of 85 after a hard-fought battle against prostate cancer. In order to honor his memory and see what he left behind, let's take a walk through Perry's historic career.

Born and Raised in Iowa

Roger Perry was born on May 7, 19388, in Davenport, Iowa. Despite being born in the Midwest, it wouldn't take Perry long before he was lighting up the silver screen in Hollywood. Perry was an only child while growing up, but that didn't stop him from looking for ways to get extra attention. By the time that Perry was 25, he would be one of the newest leading men in Hollywood.

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While much is known about Roger Perry's illustrious career, you'd be hard-pressed to find much out about his childhood. Due to how long ago Perry's childhood was, mixed with his own reticence to discuss those years, Perry's early time on this planet is shrouded in mystery. With that being said, Perry wasn't shy when he got his big break in Hollywood. Let's flash forward to when Perry's life gets back on the record.

Hollywood's Leading Man

While we don't know exactly what led Roger Perry to Hollywood, we can take a guess. Thanks to his square jaw, imposing figure, and piercing blue eyes, Perry was an immediate knockout in front of the cameras. He began his career in earnest in 1959 with an appearance on Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse a Danny Cash. From there, Perry would appear in several small television shows including December Bride (1959), Whirlybirds (1959), and The Flying Fontaines (1959). 

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After a string of successful small roles, Perry would finally get his chance to star front and center when he was cast in Harrigan and Son (1960). The series focused on James Harrigan Jr., played by Perry, and his father as they try to run their law firm. The series was a hit and the show would see 34 episodes before finally getting pulled off of the air. 

Following the success of Harrigan and Son, Perry would find himself the star of another television series. This time, Perry starred as Detective Sargent Dan Kirby in the show, Arrest and Trial from 1963 to 1964. This series would push Perry to a whole new level. Perry would land a number of appearances on television shows like The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and The Andy Griffith Show before landing the biggest role of his career.

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The biggest role of Perry's career, as it would turn out, would be a guest appearance on Star Trek (1967) as Major Christopher. The episode featured the famous Star Trek crew going back in time and running into a 20th Century pilot for the United States Air Force. The role is considered Perry's most iconic performance and it has become a cultural touchstone for fans of Star Trek. Following Star Trek, which was a role that Perry immensely enjoyed, he would go on to appear in more than a dozen shows every decade from the 70s all the way up until the late 80s. Among his most notable productions were Barnaby Jones (1974), The Facts of Life (1981), Love, American Style (1969) and Ironside (1969).

As far as his career in film goes, Perry never managed to attain the same level of star status that he did on television. Having said that, Perry did perform in several major motion pictures. His most memorable performances were probably centered around projects that he did on behalf of American International Pictures. Specifically, Perry appeared in two horror films focused on a vampire named Count Yorga. Perry would play the role of Doctor Hayes in the 1970 vampire flick, Count Yorga, Vampire. In that film, Doctor Hayes was the one who discovers that Yorga is a vampire before succumbing to a horrific onslaught from the rest of Yorga's clan. Perry would then play Professor David Baldwin in the 1971 film, The Return of Count Yorga.

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In his personal life, Perry had a string of high-profile relationships. His first wife was Patricia Perry. The couple had two children together, Christopher and Dana Perry, before divorcing in 1965. Following that marriage, Perry would go on to date and then marry actress Jo Anne Worley. The two were together from 1975 until their amicable divorce in 2000. They did not have any children together. Perry would then marry actress Joyce Bulifant. The couple was honored with their own Golden Palm Star in Palm Springs, California. Perry and Joyce were together until his passing in 2018.