Leonard Stone (November 3, 1923 - November 2, 2011) was an American character actor who played supporting roles in over 120 television shows and 35 films. One of his most notable roles came in 1971, where he played Sam Beauregarde, the father of Golden Ticket winner, Violet Beauregarde, in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He was the last adult character who toured the factory in the movie; however, Diana Sowle, who played Mrs. Bucket, was still alive at the time of his death.
He died on November 2, 2011 in Encintias, California, after a brief bout with cancer, one day short of his 88th birthday.
Filmography[]
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Soylent Green (1973)
- The Dukes of Hazzard (1980)
- American Pop (1981)
Trivia[]
- On 22 September 2000, he appeared as an ordinary, non-celebrity contestant on Wheel of Fortune. He placed second, winning $4,250 and a trip to Bermuda valued at $5,310.
- He was Nominated for Broadway's 1959 Tony Award for Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for "Redhead."
- His last acting role was in the TV-movie Dorothy starring Diane Keaton.
- He served in the navy during World War II.
- He studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.