- On May 10, 1964, Dexter saved both Frank Sinatra's life and the life of Ruth Koch (wife of Producer Howard W. Koch), during production of the World War II film, None But the Brave (1965), in Kauai, 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. Co-star Dexter swam out and rescued them together but were not able to return 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, who was just two years younger than Sinatra, later advised Sinatra (born 1915) not to marry the then-20 year old Mia Farrow (born 1945), who was 30 years Sinatra's junior, Sinatra ended their relationship.
- Was the second husband of Miss Peggy Lee.
- Met Karl Malden, who was also of Serbian descent, in the Army Air Force during World War II. Both performed in "Winged Victory," a Broadway film touring unit.
- The son of Serbian immigrants, Dexter spoke Serbian fluently before he learned English.
- Is likely best known for his role as Harry Luck, one of the title characters of The Magnificent Seven (1960).
- Played Bugsy Siegel in The George Raft Story (1961).
- Middle name was in honor of the physician who delivered him, Dr. Marie Michel.
- Originally changed his name to Barry Mitchell. Changed it to Brad Dexter at the request of John Huston.
- Is often described by many film/actor profilers as 'The only one of the 'Magnificent Seven' --not to become a star'.
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