Leo Vincent Gordon Biography

Leo Vincent Gordon (December 2, 1922 - December 26, 2000) was an American movie and television character actor as well as a screenplay writer and novelist. During more than forty years in film and television, he was frequently cast as a supporting actor playing playing brutish bad guys.

Gordon was born in Brooklyn, New York City on December 2, 1922. He was raised by his father in dire poverty and grew up during the Great Depression. He left school in the 8th grade, went to work in construction and demolition, then joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), where he participated in various public works projects. After the United States entered World War II in 1941, Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served two years. After the war, Gordon was arrested for armed robbery in southern California and was shot by arresting officers when he pulled a gun. Leo served five years in San Quentin where he furthered his education by reading nearly every book in the library.

Gordon took advantage of the benefits accorded him as part of the G.I. Bill and began taking acting lessons at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADA). During his time at the ADA, Gordon was enrolled with several future screen legends including Grace Kelly and Anne Bancroft. For a time, Jason Robards, later a two-time Academy Award winner, was Gordon's instructor. It was here that he also met his future wife, Lynn Cartwright, who would have a sporadic but lengthy career as a character actor, mainly in television. They were married in 1950 and remained together until his death a half century later. They had one child, a daughter named Tara.