Larry J. Blake was an American actor known for his roles in Sunset Boulevard, High Noon, and The Werewolf. He had a lengthy career in both film and television, beginning with vaudeville performances.
Personal and Family Life
Larry J. Blake was born Lawrence Joseph Lumberg on April 24, 1914, in Brooklyn, New York. He was married to Teresa Blake from May 21, 1936, until his passing on May 25, 1982, and they had one child named Michael F. Blake. Blake faced challenges with alcoholism but overcame them later in life, even helping to establish the first Alcoholics Anonymous group for the film industry.
Career
Blake began his acting career in vaudeville, showcasing his talent for impersonations and dialects. He signed with Universal Studios in 1936 and appeared in a variety of films, with notable performances in Sunset Boulevard and High Noon. As television gained popularity, he found work in various genres, including westerns and crime dramas, making appearances in shows like The Twilight Zone and Gunsmoke.
Death and Legacy
Larry J. Blake passed away on May 25, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, due to emphysema. Despite the struggles he faced in his life, including addiction, he remained dedicated to helping others and continued his work with Alcoholics Anonymous until his death. Blake’s legacy endures through his work in film and television, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Affair | 1949-12-12 | Plainclothesman |
| Flamingo Road | 1949-04-30 | Martin (uncredited) |
| Creature with the Atom Brain | 1955-07-01 | Reporter #2 |
| While the City Sleeps | 1956-04-19 | Tim |
| Band of Angels | 1957-08-03 | Auctioneer |
| Backlash | 1947-03-01 | Detective Lieutenant Jerry McMullen |
| The Trap | 1946-11-30 | Rick Daniels |
| The Hunted | 1948-04-07 | Hollis Smith (as Larry Blake) |
| Beginning of the End | 1957-06-28 | Roadblock Sergeant |
| Earth vs. the Flying Saucers | 1956-07-04 | Motorcycle cop |
| Demon Seed | 1977-04-07 | Cameron |