John Kefford (5 June 1905 – 24 May 1996) was an English character actor professionally known as John Abbott. His memorable roles include the invalid Frederick Fairlie in the 1948 film The Woman in White and the pacifist Ayelborne in the Star Trek episode "Errand of Mercy". He also played Sesmar on an episode of Lost in Space, "The Dream Monster" (1966). Abbott was known as a Shakespearean actor.

Biography

He was born in England on 5 June 1905. He had a sister, Ivy Skeates and a brother Harold Kefford


In 1934 he made his stage debut in a revival of Aureng-zebe.

In the early days of World War II, Abbott worked at the British Embassy in Moscow. When the time came to leave, he had to go by way of the United States. While in the U.S., he was offered a part in Hollywood in 1941 and ended up living there for the rest of his life.

He continued to find work, although he was blacklisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s. Eventually, a producer, wanting to hire him, was able to get his listing removed. In his final years, Abbott taught acting students for free.

Abbott died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center from natural causes on 24 May 1996 at the age of 90.