I have always been fascinated to stories of people who create strong foundations without cameras. Danforth Cowperthwait Larter is a silent pillar. Born in April 1945 in New Jersey, he grew up among post-war optimism and distant wars. Family history resonates in his name. His dad was Arthur Ely Larter. Mother Julia “Peggy” Cowperthwait gave him that unique middle name.
Table of Contents
ToggleDuty Calls: Vietnam Service
Danforth answered the call of duty in the 1960s. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served as an E-5 Sergeant in Vietnam. He rarely spoke of the experience at first. Later he shared stories with his daughter. Those tales spoke of courage, sacrifice, and the harsh welcome home. I imagine those years forged a man of quiet resilience. A man who understood that survival demands both strength and silence.
Steady Climb in Trucking
After returning home, Danforth built a career in logistics. He rose through the ranks at companies like Dart Transit Co., TRL, and Schneider National. By the 2000s he held the title of Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Dart Transit. He managed teams, planned routes, balanced fuel costs, and ensured driver safety under federal rules. His work kept goods moving across the country. It provided a stable middle-class life without seeking headlines. To me, his career was like a well-tuned engine. Reliable. Essential. Never flashy.
Marriage and a Growing Family
Danforth married energetic realtor Margaret Walker. They first settled in Cherry Hill, NJ. Two daughters were raised there. An older daughter arrived pre-1976. She taught third grade in Indianapolis. Alison Elizabeth Larter was born February 28, 1976. The world knows Ali.
About 1998, the family moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania. Margaret was a Bethlehem ReMax 100 employee. Danforth commuted for executive work. The house became a refuge. Ali typically recounts everyday calls with her parents and sister. Job stress, life stress, and everything in between were discussed.
Supporting Ali’s Dreams
When scouts discovered 13-year-old Ali in Philadelphia, Danforth and Margaret said yes. They never held her back. Margaret chaperoned her daughter on international modeling trips to Australia, Italy, and Japan until Ali turned 18. Danforth flew across the country for premieres. He even shared a beer with Colin Farrell on the set of American Outlaws. Their encouragement was simple yet powerful. They told her, “What’s next?” That mindset helped Ali transition from Ford model to star of Varsity Blues (1999), Final Destination (2000), and the Resident Evil franchise.
Grandchildren Bring New Joy
In 2009 Ali married actor Hayes MacArthur in a small Maine ceremony. Danforth walked his daughter down the aisle. Two years later, on December 20, 2010, grandson Theodore Hayes MacArthur arrived. Daughter Vivienne Margaret MacArthur followed on January 15, 2015. She weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces. Her middle name honors grandmother Margaret. These grandchildren have added light to Danforth’s later years.
Retirement in the Desert
By 2017 Danforth retired. He and Margaret moved to Palm Desert, California, settling at 35478 Minuet Drive. At age 80 today, he lives far from New Jersey winters. Yet family ties remain strong. In 2018 he attended the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Gala with Ali in Beverly Hills. In 2025 Ali spoke publicly about his Vietnam service on national television. She connected his story to her work with the Higher Ground organization, which supports veterans through adaptive sports and therapy.
Here is a timeline of key moments:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 1945 | Born in New Jersey |
| 1960s-1970s | Drafted; serves in Vietnam War |
| Pre-1976 | Marries Margaret; older daughter born |
| Feb 28, 1976 | Ali Larter born in Cherry Hill, NJ |
| 1980s-1990s | Rises in trucking; supports Ali’s modeling |
| ~1998 | Family moves to Allentown, PA |
| 2000s | Vice President at Dart Transit |
| Aug 1, 2009 | Ali marries Hayes MacArthur |
| Dec 20, 2010 | Grandson Theodore born |
| Jan 15, 2015 | Granddaughter Vivienne born |
| June 2017 | Retires; moves to Palm Desert, CA |
| Oct 2018 | Attends gala with Ali |
| 2025 | Ali shares his story on national TV |
FAQ
Who is Danforth Larter?
Danforth Cowperthwait Larter is a Vietnam War veteran, retired trucking executive, and father of actress Ali Larter. Born in April 1945, he is now 80 and lives in Palm Desert, California.
What was his military service?
He was drafted and served as an E-5 Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His daughter has shared that he endured trauma and an unwelcoming homecoming.
What is his profession?
He spent decades in logistics. His highest role was Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Dart Transit Co. He also worked at Schneider National and TRL.
Who is his wife?
Margaret Walker Larter, a longtime realtor with ReMax 100. She chaperoned Ali on modeling trips worldwide.
How many children does he have?
Two daughters. Ali Larter, born 1976, and an older sister who teaches third grade in Indianapolis.
Who are his grandchildren?
Theodore Hayes MacArthur (born 2010) and Vivienne Margaret MacArthur (born 2015).
Where does he live now?
35478 Minuet Drive, Palm Desert, California, since June 2017.
Danforth Larter never sought the spotlight. Yet his steady presence shaped a Hollywood career and a loving family. That, to me, is the real legacy.
Jonas Weller
A meticulous chronicler of ordinary lives who weaves personal interviews into sweeping intergenerational stories.
