Simon Scott; Character Actor in TV, Movies

Simon Scott, a character actor seen most recently as the bookish hospital administrator on “Trapper John, M.D.,” died Wednesday of the complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

His brother, Thomas Simon, said Scott was 71 and had been forced into retirement by the disease six years ago.

A native of Monterey Park who was educated in Alhambra, Scott--born Daniel Scott Simon--joined the renowned Wisconsin summer theater group Peninsula Players in 1940.

He served in the Pacific in the Navy during World War II and after his discharge toured with the Margaret Webster Shakespeare Co., often appearing in two plays a day.

He returned to California in the 1950s and began appearing in films, including “Father Goose,” “The Raid,” “Battle Hymn” and “Man of a Thousand Faces.”

In 1950, he co-starred with Ray Milland in the short-lived detective drama “Markham,” and he appeared for several years as Gen. Bronson in “McHale’s Navy.” He also was a regular on such series as “The FBI,” “Bonanza” and “The Bionic Woman.”

He lived in Sun City, Ariz. until he was admitted to the John Douglas French Center in Los Alamitos, where he died.

Besides his brother, he is survived by a sister, Margaret, who asked that donations in his memory be made to the center, which specializes in Alzheimer’s patients, at 3951 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos 90720.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Monterey Park.