Lanny Rees was an American actor who is best known for The Life of Riley, The Time of Your Life, and Fighting Father Dunne.
Personal and Family Life
Lanny Rees was born on December 14, 1933, in Veradale, Washington. He was married to Natalie Monte since 1972. Before that, he had a previous marriage that ended in divorce, which resulted in five children. In addition to his acting career, Lanny learned tap dancing as a child and performed for WWII troops.
Career
Lanny began his acting career as a child star in the late 1940s, known for his ability to cry on cue. He was discovered by a talent agent during a school talent show in Los Angeles. Later, he joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and worked in the aerospace industry, where he contributed to significant projects like Atlas missiles.
Death and Legacy
Lanny Rees passed away on February 7, 2023, in Tacoma, Washington, due to cancer. He is remembered for his contributions to film and television during the post-WWII era. His unique talent as a child actor and later diverse career path left a lasting impact on those who knew him and his work.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Life of Riley | Junior Riley | 1948-1950 |
| The Time of Your Life | Newsboy | 1948 |
| Fighting Father Dunne | Boy (uncredited) | 1948 |
| California Firebrand | Rick Mason | 1948 |
| Dragonfly Squadron | Bit part (uncredited) | 1953 |
| Your Favorite Story | TV Series | 1953 |
| Schlitz Playhouse | TV Series | 1953 |
| Count the Hours! | Boy (uncredited) | 1953 |
| The Lone Ranger | Buddy Bentley | 1952 |
| Kim | Bit Part (uncredited) | 1950 |