Tony Young, 64; Career TV, Film Character Actor

Tony Young, who starred in the short-lived CBS television series “Gunslinger” in 1961 before fashioning a prolific career as a character actor in television and films, has died. He was 64.

Young died Feb. 26 of lung cancer at his home in West Hollywood.

He was born in New York, the son of Carleton G. Young, the voice of the original “Ellery Queen” on radio. Tony Young made his way west in the 1950s and graduated from Los Angeles City College. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.

He appeared in a number of western TV series from Warner Bros. in the late 1950s, including “Bronco,” “Laramie” and “Cheyenne,” before getting his starring shot in “Gunslinger” in 1961. The hourlong series featured Young as an undercover agent for the U.S. cavalry who was posing as a gunfighter.

Over the years, Young made frequent appearances on shows such as “Mannix,” “Mission: Impossible” and “It Takes a Thief.” He also appeared in films, including “Charro!” “Play It as It Lays” and “The Outfit.”

Young is survived by longtime companion Kathy Balaban; a daughter, Julie Young; a sister, Penny Young-Gossner; and a brother, Stephen Young.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills.