Paul Mantee

Biography

Paul Mantee, born Paul Marianetti in San Francisco, California, was an accomplished actor and author whose career spanned several decades. After majoring in journalism at San Mateo Junior College, he joined the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War, an experience that ultimately led him to pursue acting professionally. Mantee later graduated from the University of California, Berkeley.

He adopted the stage name Mantee, inspired by Humphrey Bogart's character from the play The Petrified Forest, which marked the beginning of his acting journey. Throughout his career, he made numerous guest appearances on popular television series and starred in several films, most notably in the cult classic Robinson Crusoe on Mars. This film gained renewed appreciation with a restored version released by The Criterion Collection in 2007.

In addition to his work in film and television, Mantee was also a novelist. He published two notable works: In Search of the Perfect Ravioli in 1991 and the semi-autobiographical Bruno of Hollywood in 1994, both through Ballantine Books.

A resident of Malibu for many years, Mantee passed away on November 7, 2013, at a rehabilitation center in Canoga Park, California. He is survived by his wife, Suzy Davis Mantee, leaving behind a legacy enriched by his contributions to the arts.