Harold P. Pruett (April 13, 1969 – February 21, 2002) was an American film and television actor. He appeared in over thirty films and TV series throughout the 1970s to the 1990s.
Career
Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Pruett made his acting debut at age five in the 1976 film Sybil, starring Sally Field. He went on to appear in Summer Camp Nightmare (1987), Embrace of the Vampire (1995) and Precious Find (1996).[1]
During the 1970s and 1980s, Pruett guest starred on numerous television series including Wonder Woman, The New Leave It to Beaver, It's Your Move, Eye to Eye, The Best Times, Hotel and Night Court. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he danced in several music videos including two for pop singer Martika: "More Than You Know" (1989) and "Coloured Kisses" (1992).
In 1990, Pruett landed his first co-starring television role on the NBC musical teen drama Hull High.[1] Due to low ratings, the series was canceled in October 1990 after six episodes.[2]
Later that year, he was cast as "Steve Randle" in the television adaptation of the 1967 S. E. Hinton novel The Outsiders that aired on Fox. That series was also canceled after one season due to low ratings.[3] From 1992 to 1993, Pruett had a recurring role as "Brad Penny" on the teen sitcom Parker Lewis Can't Lose.[1]
In 1995, he co-starred on another short lived Fox series, Medicine Ball.[4] His last television appearance was in a recurring role on the Fox teen drama series Party of Five, in 1996.[5] Pruett's final film appearance was in the independent drama The Right Way (1998), starring Geoff Pierson.
Death
On February 21, 2002, Pruett died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles.[1] His funeral was held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on March 1 where he is interred. Pruett is survived by his wife, Jennifer Cattell, a son Tannen, his parents, Andrea and Harold, and a brother.[6]
Pruett's mother and friends created the Harold Pruett Drug Abuse Foundation in his memory.[7]
Filmography
Films
Year Title Role Notes
1936 College Holiday Dancer Uncredited
1981 Pennies from Heaven Minor role Uncredited
1987 Summer Camp Nightmare Chris Wade Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1988 Spellcaster Tom
1995 Embrace of the Vampire Chris Credited as Harrison Pruett
1996 Precious Find Ben Rutherford
1998 The Right Way
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1976 Sybil Danny Miniseries
1978 Wonder Woman Boy Episode: "Stolen Faces"
1979 Mirror, Mirror Joey McLaren Television movie
1982 Crisis Counselor Episode: "Pill Addiction"
1983 ABC Afterschool Special Neighbor boy Episode: "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle"
Uncredited
1985 The New Leave It to Beaver Ron Episode: "Movin' On"
1985 It's Your Move Boy No. 1 Episode: "The Dregs of Humanity" (Part 1) 1985 Eye to Eye Episode: "Dick and Tracey"
Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1985 The Best Times Wally Episode: "Snake Meat"
Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1985 Hotel Rod Episode: "Wins and Losses"
1985 Night Court Joey Episode: "Wheels of Justice" (Part 1)
Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1987 Our House Mike Episode: "The 100 Year Old Weekend"
Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1987 21 Jump Street Elly Episode: "Blindsided"
1988 The Fortunate Pilgrim Gino Miniseries
Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1988 ABC Afterschool Special Gary Watson Episode: "Daddy Can't Read"
1988 Scandal in a Small Town Michael Bishop Television movie
Credited as Harold P. Pruett
1988 Aaron's Way Tony Falcone Episode: "Strong Foundations"
1989 I Know My First Name is Steven Birch Miniseries
1990 Lucky Chances Dario Santangelo Miniseries
1990 Hull High Cody Rome 6 episodes
1990 The Outsiders Steve Randle 13 episodes
1990 Heat Wave John Riggs Television movie
1992-1993 Parker Lewis Can't Lose Brad Penny 8 episodes
1993 Walker, Texas Ranger Ned Buchanon Episode: "Bounty"
1995 Medicine Ball Harley Spencer 8 episodes
1995 Divas Television movie
1996 The Perfect Daughter Ben Rutherford Television movie
1996 Party of Five Cooper Voight 3 episodes
References
1. Lentz, Harris M., III (2003). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2002: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Dance, Music, Cartoons and Pop Culture. McFarland. p. 246. ISBN 0-786-45207-2.
2. Weinstein, Steve (October 25, 1990). "NBC Pulls Plug on 'Hull High'". Los Angeles Times. latimes.com.
3. "The Outsiders". Television Obscurities. tvobscurtities.com. February 1, 2004.
4. "Cancellations mean Seattle is getting a lot less television exposure these days". Baltimore Sun. baltimoresun.com. June 21, 1995.
5. "Harold Pruett". Variety. variety.com. February 2002.
6. "Harold Pruett". Los Angeles Times. latimes.com. February 27, 2002.
7. Cabe, Matthew (January 2, 2016). "'It's a big deal now'". Daily Press. vvdailypress.com.
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