Clyde McLeod was an American actor who is best known for his work as a movie extra in numerous films and television series, including “The Towering Inferno,” “Columbo,” and “Blazing Saddles.”
Personal and Family Life
Clyde McLeod was born on December 30, 1917, in Fallbrook, California. He came from a family with a long history in entertainment; his mother, Emily Stickney, was a bareback rider in circuses, and his father, Tex McLeod, worked in vaudeville shows. McLeod was deeply influenced by his family’s tradition in show business, stating that he pursued acting because it was his mother’s wish. He lived much of his life with Patricia Enns, another movie extra from the 1950s and 60s.
Career
McLeod’s career began in 1938, and over the next forty-seven years, he worked tirelessly as an extra in the film industry. He had the honor of being directed by renowned filmmakers like Charlie Chaplin and Frank Capra. Although McLeod was never primarily interested in becoming a leading actor, he appeared in countless films, often in uncredited roles, and built a successful career as a talented supporting cast member.
Death and Legacy
Clyde McLeod passed away on November 8, 2003, in Costa Mesa, California, due to natural causes. With a career spanning nearly five decades, he left behind a legacy as a dedicated and hardworking film extra. McLeod’s contributions to cinema reflect his passion for acting and the strong family tradition that shaped his life.
Filmography
Title | Role | Year |
---|---|---|
Hart to Hart | Guest (uncredited) | 1984 |
My Favorite Year | Club Dancer | 1982 |
Bret Maverick | Cattleman (uncredited) | 1982 |
The Champ | Boxing Match Spectator (uncredited) | 1979 |
Roots: The Next Generations | Townsman (uncredited) | 1979 |
The Big Fix | Casino Patron (uncredited) | 1978 |
House Calls | Mourner (uncredited) | 1978 |
The Love Boat | Passenger (uncredited) | 1977 |
Kojak | Detective Vendor, Concerned Citizen (uncredited) | 1974–1977 |
Sherlock Holmes in New York | Hotel Clerk (uncredited) | 1976 |
Columbo | Club Patron, Conference Guest, Exhibition Guest (uncredited) | 1971–1976 |
Ellery Queen | Museum Guest (uncredited) | 1975 |
The Towering Inferno | Party Guest (uncredited) | 1974 |
The Terminal Man | Orderly (uncredited) | 1974 |
Blazing Saddles | Townsman (uncredited) | 1974 |