Ben Lessy (Ben Lessy)

Ben Lessy

Ben Lessy (April 29, 1902 – October 30, 1992) was an American nightclub comedian and television and film actor. He was born in New York City, New York. Lessy was known for a nightclub act done with Patti Moore, the long-time wife of his best friend and agent, Sammy Lewis. They were regulars at Los Angeles nightclubs Slapsy Maxie’s and Billy Gray’s Band Box. Lessy appeared in over 50 films and television episodes between 1938 and 1981. His first film role was the black and white, 20 minute Cafe Rendezvous (1938) and his career ended with the Billy Wilder film Buddy Buddy (1981). Lessy’s film credits include Music for Millions (1944), Dark Delusion (1947) (the last entry in MGM’s Dr. Kildare series),The Pirate (1948) (Lessy’s 9th, and final, movie during his 7 years at MGM),The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), Gypsy (1962), It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), Pajama Party (1964), That Darn Cat! (1965), and The Love Machine (1971). His television credits include Make Room for Daddy (1953–59 : 19 episodes), The Jack Benny Program (1959–64 : 3 episodes), That Girl (1966), Petticoat Junction (1967), The New Andy Griffith Show (1971), and McMillan & Wife (1976). Lessy died on October 30, 1992, aged 90 from natural causes.

Born

  • April, 29, 1902
  • USA
  • New York, New York

Died

  • October, 30, 1992
  • USA
  • Beverly Hills, California

Cause of Death

  • natural causes

Cemetery

  • Glen Haven Memorial Park
  • Sylmar, California
  • USA

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