Education
University of Minnesota.
University of Minnesota.
He played character and supporting roles on stage, television, and feature films. On television, he played the Major in the television series Soap (1977–1981). Born and raised in Mandan, North Dakota, Peterson first obtained a degree in theater from the University of Minnesota before becoming a professional actor with the first Federal Theatre Project.
Peterson made his media debut in 1936 with a regular role on the radio serial The Guiding Light.
During World World War II, Peterson fought within General Patton"s Third Army. Upon his discharge, Peterson appeared in the American Broadcasting Company network"s first situation comedy, That"s O"Toole.
Peterson"s stage work included appearances in such plays as Inherit the Wind. His film career has been sporadic, including such titles as Born Wild (1968) and the television movie Rollercoaster (1977).
Peterson was guest artist at George Mason University, where he taught classes in acting and developed original materials such as The Monster, The Bride and Stephen based on the writings of Stephen Crane.
He also co-authored with June August, a one-man show titled "ROBERT FROST: Fire and Ice," based on the life and works of the famous poet. During Arthur"s residency at George Mason, he met David Arrow, who was instrumental in bringing ROBERT FROST: Fire and Ice off-Bradway, where it played during the summer of 1984. Peterson also recorded the piece for AudioBooks.
When the long run ended for these plays, Peterson retired from acting.
He died on October 31, 1996, of Alzheimer"s disease in the Amberwood Convalescent Hospital in Los Angeles two and a half weeks before his 84th birthday.