Watson B. Duncan III
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Watson B. Duncan III (born February 16, 1915) is an American college professor best known for being the mentor of Burt Reynolds.
Duncan began teaching Speech and English at Palm Beach Junior College in the early days of the fledgling colleges history. In the early 1950s, classes were held at its Lake Park, Florida campus and in a nearby church. Duncan quickly rose to become the head of the English department.
A young student, who was then called "Buddy" Reynolds, was recuperating at home in Riviera Beach from a football injury suffered while playing for Florida State University. Reynolds was attending Palm Beach Junior College to keep up with his studies. Duncan saw a spark of talent in the young college student and asked him to read for a role in the play, Outward Bound, that Palm Beach Junior College was doing. Duncan gave Reynolds the lead role. This eventually led to a scholarship for Reynolds at Hyde Park Playhouse in New York, and then to Hollywood. Reynolds credits Duncan for being the person who has had the most influence in his life.
Years later, Reynolds honored his beloved teacher by having him play the press secretary to the Governor in his movie, Gator. Reynolds directed and starred in the film.
Duncan went on to head the English/Communications Department at Palm Beach Junior College for more than 30 years. Palm Beach Junior College changed its name to Palm Beach Community College in 1988. Duncan is also credited with discovering and helping to develop the talent of actor Monte Markham, and Terry Garrity, author of The Sensuous Woman.
The people of Palm Beach County have bestowed two major honors upon Duncan. The performing arts theatre on the main campus of Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth bears his name. The spacious Watson B. Duncan III Theatre serves as the campus' performing arts instructional facility and hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment events for the public. A public, middle school in Palm Beach Gardens is also named for him.
Filmography
- Gator (1976)
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