Thayer David (born David Thayer Hersey, March 4, 1927 – July 17, 1978) was a film and television actor. He was best known for his work on the cult ABC serial Dark Shadows (1966–1971) and as the fight promoter George Jergens in the Oscar-winning movie Rocky in 1976. His most memorable film role was as Count Arne Saknussem in the film Journey to the Center of the Earth in 1959. His raspy distinctive voice narrated many voice-overs in commercials and narrations of instructional films and commercials. He usually played villains; especially the big bossman.

Early life

Thayer David was born and raised in Winchester, Massachusetts. When in his early 20s he graduated from Harvard (1948) and became a founding member of the Brattle Theater Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Two years later, he appeared in the Brattle production of The Relapse on Broadway (Sir Tunbelly Clumsey). His career on stage began to rapidly advance.