Leslye Banning was an American actress best known for her roles in “His Kind of Woman,” “Stagecoach to Fury,” and “Black Hills Ambush.” Born as Mary Louise Welch, she became known for her work in the film industry during the early 1950s.
Personal and Family Life
Leslye Banning, originally Mary Louise Welch, was born on November 15, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. She married Wallace “Wally” J. Russell in 1949, and they had three children before divorcing. Later, she married school teacher Keith E. Rogers, with whom she had another seven children, ultimately dedicating much of her life to family after her acting career declined.
Career Highlights
Leslye began performing at a young age and was signed by Universal Pictures at 19. Her early film roles were mainly in B-grade westerns and secondary parts, although she did have a notable performance in “His Kind of Woman” (1951). After her film career slowed down in the early 1950s, she transitioned to television and community theater, performing with the Horizon Players in Simi Valley.
Death and Legacy
Leslye Banning passed away on July 22, 2014, in Simi Valley, California, at the age of 83. She lived a quiet life away from the public eye in her later years, but her contributions to acting, especially in the early part of her career, remain part of Hollywood’s history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| His Kind of Woman | 1951-08-15 | Jennie Stone |
| Stagecoach To Fury | 1956-12-13 | Ann Stewart |
| Black Hills Ambush | 1952-05-20 | Sally |
| Renegades of the Sage | 1949-11-24 | Ellen Miller |
| Hurricane at Pilgrim Hill | 1950-12-08 | Debbie Smith, Jonathan’s Daughter (as Leslye Banning) |
| Submarine Command | 1951-11-01 |