The death of John Forsythe at age 92 will inevitably result in obits that start with the words “best known for roles on TV’s Dynasty and as the voice of Charlie’s Angels boss Charles Townsend” — the blandest credits and the biggest paychecks. Film lovers will of course default to his lead roles in Alfred Hitchcock‘s The Trouble With Harry and Topaz, and especially his performance as FBI man Alvin Dewey in Richard Brooks‘ In Cold Blood.

But my first thought when I heard the news was Forsythe’s role as the gruffly sophisticated Al Manheim in the Breck Sunday Showcase “live” broadcast of Budd Schulberg‘s What Makes Sammy Run?, which was shown in two parts in 1959.

Forsythe will definitely be included in the 2011 Oscar telecast “death reel”…right? Or will they Farrah Fawcett the poor guy? Doubt it. The two Hitchcocks and the Brooks will save the day.