James Jeter (September 15, 1921 – March 4, 2007), also known and credited as James Jeeter, was an American film, stage, and television actor. He was known for playing the recurring role of blacksmith Hans Dorfler in the American historical drama television series Little House on the Prairie.
Life and career Jeter was born in Star, Texas. He began his career on stage, performing at the Alley Theatre. Jeter made his film debut with an uncredited appearance in the 1964 film The Best Man. He next appeared in the film Kiss Me, Stupid.
Jeter appeared in the 1966 film The Sand Pebbles, in the role of Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Farren. He then appeared in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke.
Jeter guest-starred in television programs, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Death Valley Days, The Waltons, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rawhide, Emergency!, The Rockford Files, Knots Landing, M*A*S*H, Land of the Giants, and The Wild Wild West. He also played the recurring role of "Smitty" in the drama television series Delvecchio, and as the blacksmith Hans Dorfler in Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1980.
Jeter appeared in films such as F.I.S.T., The Border, Assault on Precinct 13, Hang 'Em High, Fun with Dick and Jane, The Four Deuces, Ice Station Zebra, A Change of Seasons, The Hollywood Knights, Blow Out, The Christian Licorice Store, and Fast Break. In 1985, Jeter played the lead role at the Geva Theatre Center in the play All My Sons, replacing Gerald Richards, who had been hospitalised. His final credit was for the 1993 film A Perfect World. Jeter worked as a lawyer in California.
Death Jeter died on March 4, 2007 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 85.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1964 The Best Man Mayor Uncredited1964 Kiss Me, Stupid Waiter at Desert Sands Uncredited1966 The Chase Man Uncredited1966 The Sand Pebbles Farren 1967 The Big Mouth Police Lieutenant Uncredited1967 Cool Hand Luke Wickerman Uncredited1968 Hang 'Em High Wagon Driver Uncredited1968 Ice Station Zebra 2nd Barman Uncredited1971 The Christian Licorice Store Texas Man 1973 Oklahoma Crude Stapp 1975 The Four Deuces Capt. 'Smitty' Baird 1976 The Big Bus Bus Bartender 1976 Assault on Precinct 13 Precinct Captain Uncredited1976 Bound for Glory Crippled Whitey - Hobo (on train) 1977 Fun with Dick and Jane Immigration Officer 1977 Black Sunday Watchman 1978 F.I.S.T. Mike Quinn 1978 Matilda ASPCA Attendant #3 1979 Fast Break Officer Hedgewood 1979 The Last Word Desk Sergeant 1980 The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle Martin Bormann Uncredited1980 The Hollywood Knights Smitty 1980 A Change of Seasons Truck Driver 1974–1980 Little House on the Prairie Hans Dorfler 9 episodes1981 Blow Out Film Lab Man 1982 The Border Frank 1988 Cohen and Tate Trooper #1 1993 A Perfect World Oldtimer
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External links
Rotten Tomatoes profile