Barton MacLane (December 25, 1902—January 1, 1969) was an American actor.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he went to Wesleyan University, where he was an exceptional American football player. His first movie role, The Quarterback (1926), was a result of his ability. He then went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and afterwards he performed on Broadway and had small roles in films. In 1932, he wrote the play Rendezvous. He sold it to Arthur Hopkins, and its success got him a contract with Warner Bros..
On television, he is best known for the role of General Peterson on I Dream of Jeannie. Because of his death, late episodes of that show have (instead) General Schaeffer, played by Vinton Hayworth.
In 1939 he married actress Charlotte Wynters. From the 1940s until his death, he maintained a cattle ranch in eastern Madera County, California, where he made his home when not acting. He died on January 1, 1969, in Santa Monica, California.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6719 Hollywood Boulevard.
Was an outstanding college football player at Wesleyan University
He played several musical instruments, including the violin, piano, and guitar. He was a published playwright and author, producing many plays, and starring in 'Black John' on Broadway.
As he was the regular heavy and bad guy, juveniles started using the term "Don't give me that Barton Mclane", if they felt justly or unjustly being turned off by adults or authorities e.g. Cops, teachers and so on.
Best known to the television generation as General Peterson on "I Dream of Jeannie.".
