Leonard Graves | |
---|---|
Born | 1927
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Died | January 25, 2000 |
Alma mater | Juilliard School |
Occupation | Actor |
Spouse | Meryl Graves |
Children | 4 sons |
Leonard Graves (1927-2000) was an American actor and singer best known for narrating the 1952 television documentary Victory at Sea. Graves was the only voice on the 26-part series, [1] which won multiple awards, including a 1954 Emmy for Best Public Affairs Program, [2] a special Peabody award [3] and the Freedoms Foundation's George Washington Medal. [4]
Graves was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1927 and began his performing career in radio. He joined the Broadway cast of The King and I as the Interpreter and also understudied for Yul Brynner as the King, filling in on many occasions. Graves took over the lead when Brynner left the show, and after a two-year run on Broadway, he joined a national tour. [5]
Graves appeared in several motion pictures, including: [6]
Graves also had guest roles in a number of television series [8] including Navy Log and The Big Picture (Army In Action episodes). [9] In 1968 he was appointed manager of the Memphis Opera Theater. [5] Graves later moved to Israel with his wife where he was active in the Israel National Opera. He reportedly died circa 2000. [10] [11]