Tony Award winner Leonard Stone passed away yesterday at his home in San Diego, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren. He was 87.
Born in Salem, Oregon in 1923, Stone left the state to study theater and acting abroad. Before World War II, he studied in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After serving as a captain of a mine-sweeping fleet in the Pacific during the war, he returned to the stage. In the years following, he performed in the West End of London, toured Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific for eight years performing the musical SOUTH PACIFIC, and eventually made it back to New York. He was also in GUYS AND DOLLS, DAMN YANKEES and other local Theater Productions.
In 1957, he was cast in the Pulitzer-Prize winning original production of LOOK HOMEWARD, ANGEL, which was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. In 1959, Stone performed in the
Bob Fosse production of the hit musical REDHEAD for which he won the Tony for Best Supporting Actor.
After moving to Los Angeles, Stone racked up over 120 television appearances and 30 movies. Most notable in film were "Willy Wonka," the sci-fi classic "Soylent Green", and
Jerry Lewis' "Big Mouth." In television, Stone made an impact on "Lost in Space," "Dragnet," "General Hospital," and "LA Law."
After many successful years in LA, Stone moved to San Diego to be closer to his grandchildren. He continued to work in theater, acting, and voice acting. Stone was a member of the San Diego Repertory Theater. One of his favorite performances with the company was GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS in 1988.
Stone is survived by his wife Carole, along with his son Michael and daughters, Robin, Jan, and Debbie. He also has 8 grandchildren; Justin, Lindsey, Erin, Frankie, Jourdan, Sarah, Mac, Smokey. His brother David died a few years ago.
Despite his successful career, his family will remember him best for his humor and his stories. "Somehow he managed to make each of his children and grandchildren feel that they were secretly his favorite," said granddaughter Lindsey Fryman-Borchard. "I think that's his greatest accomplishment. He was loving, caring, and a passionate man and will missed by all who loved him dearly."
