Florenz Ames was an American actor best known for his performances in “Oklahoma!”, “Of Thee I Sing”, and “Viva Zapata!”. He had a varied career that spanned stage, film, and television, gaining recognition for his versatility.
Personal and Family Life
Florenz Ames was born on January 6, 1883, in Rochester, New York. He was married four times, with his first marriage to Marie Hampton in 1908, which ended in divorce. He later married Helen Josto in 1923 but divorced in 1930. His final marriage was to Alice O’Donnell in 1930, and they were together until his death.
Career Highlights
Ames began his career in vaudeville, often performing with his wife as the duo “Ames and Winthrop.” He transitioned to Broadway, starring in numerous productions from before World War I through the Korean War. Notable shows he was involved in include the original productions of “Of Thee I Sing” and “Oklahoma!”, showcasing his talents in both acting and singing.
Death and Legacy
Florenz Ames passed away on February 11, 1958, in New York City. His contributions to theatre and film left a lasting impact, remembered for his talent and the diversity of his performances. Despite being a late entrant into television, Ames proved that age was no barrier to success in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Girl He Left Behind | 1956-10-26 | Mr. Hillaby |
| The Fastest Gun Alive | 1956-07-12 | Joe Fenwick |
| Teacher’s Pet | 1958-04-01 | J. L. Ballentine |
| The Human Jungle | 1954-10-03 | Leonard Ustick |
| The Deadly Mantis | 1957-05-01 | Prof. Anton Gunther |
| He Laughed Last | 1956-08-12 | George Eagle |
| That Certain Feeling | 1956-06-04 | Senator Winston |
| Texas Lady | 1955-11-23 | Wilson |
| Viva Zapata! | 1952-02-07 | Senor Espejo |
| The King and Four Queens | 1956-12-21 | Josiah Sweet, Undertaker |
| The Big Caper | 1957-03-28 | Dutch Paulmeyer |
| Man with the Gun | 1955-11-05 | Doc Hughes |
| The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Ghost Farm | 1957-09-15 | Silas Applegate |
| The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure | 1956-10-02 | Silas Applegate |
| Hey, Jeannie! | 1956-09-08 | Mr. Hesby |
| Four Star Playhouse | 1952-09-25 | Mr. Hapewell, Mr. Scratch |
| Screen Director’s Playhouse | 1955-10-05 | J.B. Vandemeer |
| Broken Arrow | 1956-09-25 | Emperor Joshua Norton |
| Lux Video Theatre | 1950-10-02 | Pa, Pop, Uetick |