Les Tremayne was an American actor known for his work in radio, film, and television, especially during the mid-20th century. He is best recognized for his roles in “The War of the Worlds,” “The Naked Monster,” and “The Adventures of Ellery Queen.”
Personal and Family Life
Born as Lester Tremayne Henning on April 16, 1913, in Balham, London, England, Les and his family moved to Chicago, Illinois, when he was just four years old. Tremayne pursued acting from a young age, attending community theatre and starting his career in vaudeville. He was married four times, with his last wife being Joan Lenore Hertz, whom he married on July 17, 1980, and stayed with until his death in 2003.
Career
Les Tremayne began working in radio at the age of 17 and quickly became a well-known voice during the Golden Age of Radio. He gained fame for shows like “The Romance of Helen Trent” and “The First Nighter.” He transitioned into television and films during the 1950s, where he portrayed various military and professional roles, making him a recognizable figure in the industry.
Death and Legacy
Les Tremayne passed away from heart failure on December 19, 2003, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 90. He was remembered for his significant contributions to radio and acting, earning a place in the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995. His unique voice and versatile acting skills left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| North by Northwest | 1959-07-08 | Auctioneer |
| The Fortune Cookie | 1966-10-19 | Thompson |
| The Angry Red Planet | 1959-11-23 | Prof. Theodore Gettell |
| The Racket | 1951-10-25 | Harry Craig |
| Rikki-Tikki-Tavi | 1975-01-09 | Father (voice) |
| The Naked Monster | 2005-04-22 | General Mann |
| The Story of Ruth | 1960-06-17 | Elimelech |
| The Slime People | 1963-03-29 | Norman Tolliver |
| From the Earth to the Moon | 1958-11-26 | Countdown Announcer |
| A Man Called Peter | 1955-03-31 | Senator Willis K. Harvey |