David Clennon

David Clennon (born May 10, 1943) is an American actor. He is best known for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of Miles Drentel in the ABC series thirtysomething and Once and Again, as well as his role as Palmer in the John Carpenter's cult classic film The Thing.

Life and career

Clennon was born in Waukegan, Illinois, the son of Virginia, a homemaker, and Cecil Clennon, an accountant. He attended the University of Notre Dame from 1962 to 1965. He studied at the Yale School of Drama for three years and became a member of their professional acting company. In 1996 he married Perry Adelman, a writer, camera assistant and photographer. They have twin children Daisy Virginia and Harry Francis.

He was a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War, often participating in protests, and remains politically active. In 2013, he repeatedly spoke out against the film Zero Dark Thirty and refused to vote for it for an Academy Award, stating that it promotes the acceptable use of torture.

In 1980, David Clennon provided the voice for Admiral Motti in NPR's Star Wars The Original Radio Drama. He was a regular on the TV shows Almost Perfect, The Agency, and Saved. Most recently, Clennon played Carl Sessick (a.k.a. Carl the Watcher) on Ghost Whisperer.