Is best known for his role as Harry Luck, one of the title characters of The Magnificent Seven (1960). However, he is the one of the seven whom no one can ever remember.
Met Karl Malden in the Army Air Force during World War II. Both performed in "Winged Victory," a Broadway film touring unit.
Middle name was in honor of the physician who delivered him, Dr. Marie Michel.
On May 10, 1964, Dexter saved both Frank Sinatra's life and the life of Ruth Koch (wife of Producer Howard Koch), during production of the World War II film, None But the Brave, in Kaui, Hawaii. Sinatra and Koch were swimming at a beach when they were swept out to sea by the outgoing tide and nearly drowned in high billowing waves. Sinatra's co-star Dexter swam out and rescued them together and were not able to reach back to shore for nearly 45 minutes. In the waves, Sinatra reportedly became separated and murmured "Its all over...please take care of my kids...I'm going to die." Towards the end, both Sinatra and Koch had fallen unconscious for several minutes before two surfers arrived to help Dexter take them to shore. Dexter was later awarded a Red Cross medal for his bravery. When Dexter later advised him not to marry the then-20 year old Mia Farrow, who was about 25 years Sinatra's junior, Sinatra ended their friendship.
Originally changed his name to Barry Mitchell. Changed it to Brad Dexter at the request of John Huston.
Played Bugsy Siegel in The George Raft Story (1961).
Son of Yugoslavian immigrants.
Spoke Serbo-Croatian.
Was the second husband of Miss Peggy Lee.