Leo Gorcey was an American actor who is best known for his roles in the “Dead End Kids,” “East Side Kids,” and “Bowery Boys” films. He had a successful career that spanned over two decades, making him a familiar face in Hollywood during that time.
Personal and Family Life
Leo Gorcey was born on June 3, 1917, in New York City to Bernard Gorcey and Josephine Condon, both of whom were vaudeville performers. He had a brother named David, who also pursued acting. Over his lifetime, Leo married five times and had three children: Leo Gorcey Jr. and two daughters. His marriages often ended in divorce, with notable headlines surrounding them.
Career
Leo began his acting career on stage, appearing in “Dead End” in 1935, which later became a successful film in 1937. He became well-known for his roles as tough, streetwise characters, particularly in the series featuring the “Dead End Kids,” and later in the “Bowery Boys” films. Throughout his career, Leo became famous for his recurring character Muggs McGinnis and appeared in over 60 films, developing a strong fanbase.
Death and Legacy
Leo Gorcey passed away on June 2, 1969, in Oakland, California, from liver failure, just a day before his 52nd birthday. He left behind a legacy as a pioneering actor in youth-oriented films and remains a beloved figure among fans of classic cinema. His unique style and memorable roles continue to influence actors and entertain viewers to this day.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Kid Dynamite | 1943-02-05 | Muggs McGinnis |
| Let’s Get Tough | 1942-05-29 | Muggs McGinnis |
| Midnight Manhunt | 1945-07-27 | Clutch Tracy |
| Mr. Wise Guy | 1942-02-20 | Muggs McGinnis |
| It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World | 1963-11-07 | First Cab Driver |
| Million Dollar Kid | 1944-02-28 | Muggs McGinnis |
| Pride of the Bowery | 1940-12-15 | Muggs Maloney |
| Angels with Dirty Faces | 1938-11-26 | Bim |
| Dead End | 1937-08-27 | Spit |
| Spooks Run Wild | 1941-10-24 | Muggs McGinnis |
| Bowery to Bagdad | 1955-01-07 | Slip Mahoney |
| Bowery Battalion | 1951-01-24 | Slip Mahoney |
| So This Is New York | 1948-06-01 | Sid Mercer |
| Bowery Blitzkrieg | 1941-08-01 | Muggs McGinnis |
| Here Come the Marines | 1952-06-29 | Terence Aloysius ‘Slip’ Mahoney |
| Let’s Go Navy! | 1951-07-29 | Terence Aloysius ‘Slip’ Mahoney |
| Angels’ Alley | 1948-03-07 | Terence ‘Slip’ Mahoney |