Leo Gordon Tribute
Big, burly, character actor, one of the toughest of screen heavies, Leo Gordon's powerful physique, combined with his deep, menacing voice, was guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of even the bravest screen hero. Director Don Siegel, who used Gordon in his prison film Riot in Cell Block 11 (1954), once said that "Leo Gordon was the scariest man I have ever met" - this coming from a man who had directed John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Bette Midler!đ
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330388/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
You may not know him by name, but if youâve spent any time at all watching old westerns, you would undoubtedly recognize his face. Recently, the question was posed at the Charley Varrick page, âWho else could have played Mollyâ? Immediately Leo Gordon came to mind, though I couldnât remember his name. This was not to be a problem, for when the westerns channel was playing the other day, Mr Gordon was there to be identified. And this is where he shone, as the perpetually western bad guy character actor, though he occasionally played more sympathetic roles just as effectively.
As it turns out, Mr Gordon had a rough start in his younger years, and spent 5 years in San Quentin prison for his participation in an armed robbery. But he made the most of his time spent there, and by the time he had left, he had read every book in the prison library. Gordon went on to study acting at the American Academy Of Dramatic Arts, and later became a successful screenwriter and novelist.
Contrary to his screen persona, Mr Gordon was said to be a quiet, thoughtful, and intelligent man, who generally avoided the Hollywood spotlight.
So thatâs my tribute to Leo Gordon. May your camp fire burn strong, and the stars shine bright at that big ole round up in the sky pardner đ share