Leo Gorcey was an iconic American actor who starred in the 1940s and 1950s in a series of comedy films. He is best known for his portrayal of Muggsy in the Bowery Boys franchise. Born in New York City in 1917, Gorcey had a long career as an actor and comedian, appearing in more than 150 films and television shows throughout his lifetime.
In this blog, Fidlarmusic will take a closer look at Leo Gorcey Net Worth, life, career and personal life.
What is Leo Gorcey’s Net Worth and Salary 2023
At the time of his passing in 1969, the American actor Leo Gorcey had a net worth that was estimated to be in the range of $500,000 at the time of his passing. He became well-known for his role as the head of a youthful gang of hooligans that would later be called the Bowery Boys, the Dead End Kids, and the East Side Kids.
Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 90 films, including those with starring roles such as
- Dead End,
- Portia on Trial
- Mannequin
- The Beloved Brat
- Crime School
- Angels with Dirty Faces
- They Made Me a Criminal
- Hell’s Kitchen
- Private Detective
- Invisible Stripes
- That Gang of Mine
- Pride of the Bowery
- Flying Wild
- Out of the Fog
- Bowery Blitzkrieg
- Mr. Wise Guy
Leo Gorcey Overview
Early life
Leo Gorcey was born on June 3, 1917 in New York City. Leo was the oldest of three children and grew up in the Bronx. He attended Stuyvesant High School but dropped out after two years to pursue acting.
Gorcey began acting as a child, appearing in his father’s Yiddish theater productions. At age 12, he made his Broadway debut in the play “The Next Corner”.
He then appeared in several other plays, including “Cradle Snatchers” and “The Voice of the Turtle”. After a few more stage appearances, he decided to pursue a career in Hollywood.
In 1935, Gorcey moved to Los Angeles and signed with Universal Studios. He made his film debut in the 1936 drama The Milky Way.
During the late 1930s and early 1940s, he appeared in numerous films, often playing juvenile delinquent roles. He gained stardom when he was cast as one of the Bowery Boys in 1942’s East Side Kids. The group starred in numerous films until 1956.
Gorcey’s career stalled in the late 1950s, and he made his last film appearance in 1961. He continued to appear on television and in nightclubs throughout the 1960s. He died in 1969 at the age of 51 due to complications from cirrhosis.
Career
Leo Gorcey was an American actor who made a name for himself in the 1930s and 1940s through his portrayal of the tough but lovable streetwise teenager in the Bowery Boys film series. Gorcey’s career began as a child actor in the late 1920s, appearing in several silent films, including The Penalty (1920) and Little Annie Rooney (1925).
He then appeared in a number of low-budget “B” movies throughout the 1930s, including the highly successful East Side Kids series. In 1940, Gorcey was cast in the first of the Bowery Boys films, Angels with Dirty Faces, playing the leader of the gang. Over the next 10 years, he appeared in 48 of the 49 Bowery Boys films, becoming one of the most recognizable stars of the era.
Gorcey’s portrayal of the character, Slip Mahoney, endeared him to audiences, and he became a beloved figure to many fans. He even received fan mail from around the world and was often mobbed by fans whenever he went out in public.
In addition to the Bowery Boys films, Gorcey also appeared in a number of other films, including Life with Father (1947), It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947), and The Girl Most Likely (1957). He also appeared on television, including a starring role in the short-lived sitcom The Life of Riley (1949-1950).
Leo Gorcey retired from acting in 1962 and died in 1969 at the age of 57. He left behind a legacy of memorable characters and performances that have been cherished by generations of fans. His contribution to the world of entertainment is still remembered today, and his films remain popular among audiences of all ages.
Personal life
In May of 1939, Gorcey wed the dancer Kay Marvis, who was only 15 years old at the time and had starred in four of his Monogram films. In 1944, they went their separate ways, and years later, Marvis married Groucho Marx.
In October 1945, Gorcey wed the actress Evalene Bankston, but the couple got a divorce after only two years of marriage. In 1948, he was found not guilty of the claim that he had fired a gun at his wife when she entered their home in Van Nuys, California. However, he was arrested for the incident.
Gorcey wed actress Amelita Ward in February 1949. Prior to their marriage, the two of them had featured in the films Clancy Street Boys and Smugglers’ Cove together.
Although the union resulted in the birth of two children, one of whom was named Leo Gorcey Jr., the couple finalized their divorce in February of 1956
In the latter part of that same year, Gorcey wed Brandy Davis. They parted ways in 1962 after the birth of their daughter Brandy Gorcey Ziesemer. On July 12, 1968, Gorcey wed Mary Gannon, who would remain his wife until the day he passed away.
Why is Leo Gorcey famous?
Leo Gorcey is an actor who achieved fame and notoriety for his roles in the Dead End Kids and Bowery Boys film series. He was born in Manhattan, New York, on June 3, 1917, and began his acting career at the age of 15. His first film was The Mayor of Hell (1933), which he followed up with the Dead End Kids series in the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Gorcey’s most iconic role was that of the mischievous and street-wise leader of the Dead End Kids, Slip. He had a strong presence in the group and was known for his comedic timing and delivery. He became so well-known for this role that he was given top billing in the Dead End Kids films.
In addition to his success as an actor, Gorcey was also known for being a troublemaker off-screen. He was arrested multiple times for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Despite his troubles, Gorcey remained popular with fans and continued to star in films until the end of his life. He died of a heart attack on June 2, 1969.
FAQs about Leo Gorcey
How tall was Leo Gorcey?
Leo Gorcey’s Height: 1.68 m.
what happened to all the bowery boys?
After the Warner films. The group splintered. Some moved to Poverty Row for films as the East Side Kids for Sam Katzman. Part of the group worked at Univeral as The Little Tough Guys
What is Huntz hall net worth
Huntz Hall is an USA Actor who has a net worth of $17 Million
Why did Leo Gorcey leave the Bowery Boys?
Following an incident in which he damaged a film set in a drunken rage, the studio refused to provide him a pay raise that he had asked. As a result, he severed company with the Bowery Boys, and Stanley Clements took his place in the next seven films in the series. However, Gorcey’s brother David continued to appear in episodes up until the series was cancelled in the late 1950s.
Conclusion
In short, Leo Gorcey’s legacy continues to live on today, as his humor and wit have been passed down through generations. His net worth of $500,000 may not compare to what some stars make today, but it speaks volumes to the impact he had in his life and career. To learn more about Leo Gorcey, visit our website or check out our social media channels for all the latest updates. Thank you for taking the time to read
