​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.   Dean Fredericks (January 21, 1924–June 30, 1999) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of the comic strip character Steve Canyon in a 34-episode television series of the same name which aired from 1958-1959 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 ...