Leonard Frey was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Boys in the Band, Fiddler on the Roof, and Tattoo. He gained fame for his performances on stage and screen, particularly as Motel in the beloved musical.
Personal and Family Life
Leonard Frey was born on September 4, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York. He originally aspired to become an artist but discovered his passion for acting while in college. Frey honed his skills at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, studying under the influential coach Sanford Meisner.
Career Highlights
Frey first made a name for himself in the theater and picked up significant attention for his role as Harold in both the stage and film versions of The Boys in the Band. He is perhaps most recognized for his portrayal of Motel, the timid tailor, in Fiddler on the Roof, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Despite his success, he struggled to replicate this level of acclaim in his later works throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Death and Legacy
Leonard Frey passed away on August 24, 1988, in New York, due to complications from AIDS. His contributions to theatre and film continue to be appreciated, especially his memorable roles that captured the essence of his characters. Frey’s performances remain a significant part of LGBTQ+ cinematic history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Boys in the Band | 1970-03-16 | Harold |
| Fiddler on the Roof | 1971-11-03 | Motel |
| Tattoo | 1981-10-09 | Halsey |
| Shirts/Skins | 1973-10-09 | Jerry Axelrod |
| Bride of Boogedy | 1987-04-12 | Neil Witherspoon |
| The Magic Christian | 1969-12-12 | Laurence Faggot |
| Where the Buffalo Roam | 1980-04-25 | Desk Clerk |
| Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon | 1970-05-11 | Guiles |
| Passages from James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake | 1967-04-07 | Celebrant |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Felix Casslaw |
| Barney Miller | 1975-01-23 | Roland Gusik / Alfred Royce |
| Moonlighting | 1985-03-03 | Skyler Cantrell |