Leo.... lurking...

LEO WILLIS

Born January 5, 1890 - Died April 10, 1952
Appeared with Laurel and Hardy in 10 films.

Other notable films: A Sailor-Made Man (1921); The Kid Brother (1927); Monkey Business (1931); Six of a Kind (1934); Kid Millions (1934); Les Miserables (1935)

Born in Oklahoma in 1890, Leo Willis always seemed to be lurking in the background in Laurel and Hardy films - the mugger around the corner in Below Zero, the thug who instructs The Boys to pour rice down the leaky car radiator in The Hoose-gow. Willis seems to have had better luck in silents than sound films, though the silents in which he appeared may not have been that notable. Leo's grumpy gangster looks made him a favorite foil for comedians of the 20s and 30s, and he appeared at various times with Buster Keaton, Harry Langdon, Eddie Cantor and in the all-star Paramount comedy Six of a Kind. But Harold Lloyd must have really taken a shine to him, casting Willis in at least five of his major features. Willis showed up in more L&H films than most fans even know, for he was often called upon to be an extra or take a a bit part --- in other words, to lurk in the background.

Leo retired from films in 1936, having essayed small roles in such films as MONKEY BUSINESS, SIX OF A KIND, KID MILLIONS, and LES MISERABLES. He passed away in Monterey, California, on April 10, 1952.

Copyright © John Larrabee, John V. Brennan, 1998. All Rights Reserved.
Property of Laurel and Hardy Central

LEO WILLIS' FILMS WITH LAUREL AND HARDY

SHORTS:

Call of the Cuckoos (Housewarming guest)
Flying Elephants (Caveman)
Their Purple Moment (Cabdriver)
The Hoose-gow (Apple guy)
Below Zero (Mugger)
Beau Hunks (New recruit)
The Live Ghost (Shanghaied sailor)
On The Wrong Trek (Robber)

FEATURES:

PARDON US (Part of Tiger Long's gang)
BONNIE SCOTLAND (Native henchman)
THE BOHEMIAN GIRL (Torturer)