Leon Ames was born as Harry L. Wycoff on January 20, 1902, in Portland, Indiana to Charles Elmer Wycoff and Cora Alice (DeMoss) Wycoff.[4] Some sources list his original last name as "Wykoff" or "Waycoff", and in his early films, he acted under the name Leon Waycoff. In 1935, Ames explained that he changed his name because Waycoff was often misspelled and mispronounced. Ames was his mother's maiden name.[5]
Ames' involvement with entertainment began when he worked as stage manager for the Charles K. Champlin Theatre Company. He ventured into acting with the group and progressed to having the lead in a production of Tomorrow and Tomorrow in Los Angeles.[7] He acted for three years with the Stuart WalkerStock Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.[8]
He debuted on Broadway in It Pays to Sin (1933). His other Broadway credits include Howie (1958), Winesburg, Ohio, (1958), Slightly Married (1943), The Russian People (1942), Little Darling (1942), Guest in the House (1942), The Land Is Bright (1941), The Male Animal (1940), Thirsty Soil (1937), A House in the Country (1937), and Bright Honor (1936).[9]
Ames made his film debut in Quick Millions in 1931. Later, during the 1940s, he was under contract to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Among his important roles at MGM is his 1944 portrayal of Mr. Smith in the studio's massive hit and subsequent classic Meet Me in St. Louis.
His television roles included leads in the adaptations of Life with Father (1953–55)[11]: 604 and Father of the Bride (1961–62).[11]: 336-337 His presence in the latter program was such that, after the show had been on the air a few months, Ames' role was increased because "'father, as played by veteran character actor Leon Ames, became the dominant figure in the whole show."[12]
Ames had the title role of judge John Cooper in the syndicated series Frontier Judge[11]: 370 and played Howard McMann in Bewitched.[11]
He played the part of Grandpa Willis in The Jeffersons, episode “Jenny’s Grandparents” (Season 2, episode 10: 1975).
Other professional activities
Ames was one of the founders of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933.[3] He served as its president in 1957. During the 1960s, Ames owned several Ford dealerships in California.[citation needed]
Personal life
Ames was the father of Robert Fletcher, who was left with his mother when she and Ames split up in 1923.[13][14]
Ames wed actress Christine Gossett in 1938. The couple had a daughter, Shelley (b. 1940), and a son, Leon (b. 1943). Christine retired early from acting to raise their family. They remained married until Ames' death in 1993.[15]
On February 12, 1964, Ames and his wife were held hostage in their home as an intruder demanded $50,000 before he would free them. Ames called his business partner, who obtained the money from a bank and delivered it to the house as instructed. After inspecting the cash, the kidnapper left Ames in the house, bound with tape, and instructed Mrs. Ames to drive him in the couple's car. He also forced both the business partner and a guest in the Ames house into the trunk. Eventually, police (who had been alerted by the partner while he was picking up the money) surrounded the car and freed the hostages.[17]
^ abcdeTerrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. pp. 96–97. ISBN978-0-7864-6477-7.
^((cite Leon Ames played the G.P. Doctor, on the series “ My Three Sons, as Titled “ Dr. Osborne, M.D.” Season 9 , Episode 14, when Kati & Robbi were deciding on a Dr. to care for her during her Pregnancy as “ Katie Douglas” in which Dr Osborne had a call from the Hospital stating he had an expectant mother awaiting him.. as he was checking in on Katie at the Douglas Home, in 1968. They decided Dr Osborne was the Best for their1st child ( which turned our to be triplets ) ,Serienews|last1=Gray|first1=M|title=Father of Bride Dominant Figure|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3148142/simpsons_leadertimes/%7Cagency=Simpson's Leader-Times|date=March 3, 1962|page=10|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = September 2, 2015))
