Melvin Belli (Melvin Belli)

Melvin Belli

Attorney. A native of Sonora, California, Belli graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1929 and received his law degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law in 1933. Establishing his practice in San Francisco, he quickly made a name for himself as an expert in personal injury cases. His many successes in such cases ultimately led Life Magazine to name him “the King of Torts” in 1954. Also known as the “Father of Demonstrative Evidence” due to his often flamboyant performances and demonstrations in the courtroom, he often appeared in the news representing famous clients, including Errol Flynn, Mae West, Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Rolling Stones, and Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. His most famous client came in 1964 when he was hired to defend Jack Ruby against the charges of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald. While making several television and movie appearances during his life, as an actor he is best remembered for his role as the alien Gorgan in the 1968 Star Trek episode “And the Children Shall Lead.” In addition, he also wrote numerous books on law and published his autobiography in 1976 entitled “My Life on Trial.” (bio by: G.Photographer)

Born

  • July, 29, 1907
  • USA

Died

  • July, 07, 1996
  • USA

Cemetery

  • Sonora Odd Fellows Cemetery
  • California
  • USA

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