From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Dean Fredericks January 21 1924June 30 1999 was an American actor best known for his portrayal of the comic strip character Steve Canyon in a 34episode television series of the same name which aired from 19581959 on NBC He was born Frederick Joseph Foote in Los Angeles California On October 31 1942 he enlisted as a private in the cavalry of the United States Army and served during World War II He received a Purple Heart medal Description above from the Wikipedia article Dean Fredericks licensed under CCBYSA full list of contributors on Wikipedia