Virginia Gregg

Virginia Gregg

March 16, 1916 - September 15, 1986

Featured in 4 episodes

Virginia Gregg (1916-1986) was one of radio's most talented and prolific actresses during the medium's golden era, bringing an exceptional range and emotional depth to thousands of performances across multiple genres. Born in Harrisburg, Illinois on March 6, 1916, Gregg's distinctive voice and remarkable versatility made her a fixture on America's airwaves for more than three decades. Gregg's radio career began in the late 1930s and quickly flourished as she demonstrated an uncanny ability to portray characters of various ages, backgrounds, and temperaments. Her most notable radio work included regular roles on "Dragnet," "Gunsmoke," "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," and "Richard Diamond, Private Detective." She frequently collaborated with fellow radio legend Jack Webb, establishing a creative partnership that would extend into television. Beyond radio, Virginia Gregg built an impressive career in television and film, appearing in numerous TV shows including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone." Horror film enthusiasts recognize her as the chilling voice of Norman Bates' mother in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" trilogy. Her voice acting also extended to animation, where she contributed to various Hanna-Barbera productions. Despite her extensive work in visual media, Gregg's masterful command of vocal characterization in radio remains her greatest legacy. She passed away on September 15, 1986, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work that showcases the artistic heights possible in audio storytelling.

Episodes Featuring Virginia Gregg

The Big Press: A Trail of Fear

A wave of brutal purse snatchings has left women across Los Angeles living in fear. Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero take on the case, setting a trap to lure the violent thieves out into the open. As they close in, the investigation reveals a pair of young criminals who have taken their crime spree too far. Tags:Dragnet, robbery, LAPD, truecrime, noir, thriller, justice, lawenforcement, investigation, crimewave, policework, LosAngeles, 1950s, detective, suspense, pursuit

The Big Smart Guy: Murder in the Bartlett Hotel

When a woman is found murdered in the Bartlett Hotel, Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero are called in to investigate a supposed robbery gone wrong. The husband’s story doesn’t quite add up, and a witness points police to a suspicious man staying in a nearby hotel. As the pieces fall into place, Friday and Romero uncover a web of deception that turns this case into something much more sinister. Tags: Dragnet, homicide, detectives, LAPD, truecrime, noir, thriller, justice, lawenforcement, drama, investigation, deception, robbery, murder, crime, 1950s

The Big Fake: Betrayal in Blue

A shocking accusation rocks the LAPD when rookie officer Russell Clark is charged with robbery and assault. Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero must unravel the truth behind the claims of a beaten and robbed civilian—who insists the officer is to blame. With the reputation of the department on the line, Friday and Romero dig deep into the case, searching for witnesses and evidence that could clear Clark's name—or confirm his guilt. Originally aired: June 1, 1950. Tags:Dragnet, police, LAPD, truecrime, investigation, justice, noir, betrayal, rookiecop, crime, deception, lawenforcement, 1950s, robbery, interrogation

The Kentucky Tolmans: Bloodlines and Betrayals

The Tolmans have come to Dodge City, bringing with them a tangled web of family secrets and impending danger. Jed Tolman, a boisterous old man with a knack for finding trouble, is the target of a mysterious assailant who seems determined to end his life. His sharp-shooting daughter, Hannah, pleads with Marshal Matt Dillon to protect her father by putting him in jail. But as Matt digs deeper, he learns that Jed’s troubles might have more to do with the recently released Vic Tolman, Jed’s own son, a wanted murderer and robber. As Jed stubbornly resists revealing the truth, Matt must unravel a tale of greed, betrayal, and family loyalty. With Hannah’s fierce determination and Vic’s ruthless tactics, the Tolman family feud escalates into a dangerous confrontation that threatens the peace in Dodge City. Featuring standout performances from William Conrad as Marshal Dillon and Parley Baer as Chester, this episode highlights the gritty complexity of family ties in the Wild West. The Kentucky Tolmans delivers suspense, drama, and a chilling reminder of how far people will go to protect their secrets. SEO Keywords: “Gunsmoke Kentucky Tolmans,” “August 9 1952 Gunsmoke episode,” “Jed Tolman story Gunsmoke,” “Western family feud radio drama,” “Gunsmoke classic episodes,” “Marshal Matt Dillon family drama,” “Vic Tolman Gunsmoke plot” Tune in to this unforgettable tale of family, honor, and deception in The Kentucky Tolmans!