Eric Fleming (July 4, 1925 – September 28, 1966) was an American actor, known primarily for his role as Gil Favor in the long running CBS television series Rawhide.
Fleming was born in Santa Paula, California, as Edward Heddy, Jr. He was an only child and had an unhappy childhood. After being severely beaten by his father he ran away from home, and lived rough. Although later reunited with his mother, during the years of the depression he dropped out of school and worked at various jobs until he joined the United States Navy during World War II. He served as a Seabee in a naval construction battalion. He received severe facial injuries in an accident at work and underwent extensive plastic surgery.
Following his discharge, Fleming became interested in acting and took acting lessons. He appeared on stage in Chicago and in a number of successful Broadway plays including the musical Plain and Fancy. He began acting in television shows about the same time. Fleming then moved to Hollywood and starred in several low-budget films, including Fright, Curse of the Undead and the cult classic Queen of Outer Space, with costar Zsa Zsa Gabor.
In 1958, the 6 foot 3 Fleming landed the starring
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