Henry Leff was an American actor best known for his roles on radio, television, and in films. He was particularly recognized for his work on “Candy Matson, YUkon 2-9209,” “The Red Myth,” and various commercials.
Personal and Family Life
Born on August 20, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, Henry Leff pursued his education at Brooklyn College before earning a Master’s Degree in Theater from Cornell University in 1939. He married Sylvia in 1942, who was also an actress known by her stage name “Bobbie Lyons.” Leff dedicated 35 years to leading the Broadcasting Department at City College of San Francisco.
Career
Leff had a diverse career spanning radio, television, and film. From 1949 to 1951, he played “Lieutenant Mallard” on the popular radio show “Candy Matson, YUkon 2-9209.” He also participated in significant television projects like KQED’s “The Red Myth,” portraying historical figures such as Karl Marx and Josef Stalin. Additionally, he was influential in fostering new talent in the broadcasting field.
Death and Legacy
Henry Leff passed away on August 12, 2007, in San Francisco, California, just a week shy of his 89th birthday. His legacy includes his contributions to broadcasting education and the numerous students and colleagues he inspired throughout his career. He was a pioneer in integrating video lessons into classrooms, leaving a lasting impact on media education.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| One Is a Lonely Number | 1972-06-19 | Arnold Holzgang |
| Take the Money and Run | 1969-08-18 | Father Starkwell |
| Once a Thief | 1965-04-24 | James (Uncredited) |
| The Strawberry Statement | 1970-08-28 | Police Inspector |