Dolph Sweet

Adolphus Jean Sweet (July 18, 1920 – May 8, 1985) was an American actor, credited with nearly 60 television and film roles and more than 50 roles in stage productions, including performances on Broadway. He often played policemen throughout his career, and may be best known for his portrayal of police chief and father Carl Kanisky, on the sitcom Gimme a Break!, from 1981 until his death in May 1985. Early life Sweet was born in New York City, New York. In 1939, he attended the University of Alabama; however, he was called away from his education for a tour of duty in World War II with the 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the Eighth Air Force, where the young Second Lieutenant served as a navigator on B-24 Liberator bomber aircraft. During his service, he was shot down over Romania while flying on Operation Tidal Wave, and subsequently spent two years as a prisoner of war (POW). He joined other POWs in putting on short plays in the prison camp, leading to an interest in acting when he returned from the war. After the war, he played semi-professional football and boxed while earning his master's degree in English and comparative drama from Columbia University. Career Upon graduation, Sweet took a job teaching at Barnard College, rising to head of the drama department during his 12 years at the college. He left his teaching duties shortly after making his Broadway debut, at age 40, in a 1961 production of Rhinoceros, starring Zero Mostel.