 |
Leo GorceyAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 03.06.1917
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Family
Born in New York City in 1917 to vaudeville actors Josephine and Bernard Gorcey, Leo Gorcey was the second of three children. His parents stood at 4'11" and 4'10", respectively, and Leo eventually reached a height of 5'6". The family was of Jewish descent.
Entry into Show Business
In the early 1930s, Leo's father left the family to pursue theater work. Upon his return in 1935, Bernard and his younger son David convinced Leo to audition for a minor role in the play "Dead End." Faced with losing his plumbing apprenticeship and motivated by his father's success, Leo auditioned and was cast in the role of Spit, a member of the East 53rd Place gang.
The Dead End Kids
In 1937, Samuel Goldwyn adapted "Dead End" into a film, featuring the cast of "Dead End Kids," which included Leo and David Gorcey. This launched Leo's Hollywood career, which spanned the next two decades.
East Side Kids and Bowery Boys
From 1937 to 1939, Leo starred in seven "Dead End Kids" films in various roles. In 1940, the group transitioned to the "East Side Kids" franchise, playing the character of Ethelbert "Scruno" McGinnis/McGinnis/Maloney in 21 films from 1940 to 1945. From 1946 to 1956, the group evolved into the "Bowery Boys," with Leo playing the role of Terence Aloysius "Slip" Mahoney in 41 films.
