I don't know how it is now but the assistant stage manager had to understudy several parts. You had to be ready to go on at any time if the actor couldn't make it to the play. I didn't think anything of it.

He was promoted to commander in 1963 and captain in 1968. He suggested doing a western series instead which resulted in the "modern day western" series Cade's County. Death
Ford suffered a series of minor strokes which left him in frail health in the years leading up to his death.

Despite his versatility Ford was best known for playing ordinary men in unusual circumstances.