Leo Willis
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- January 4, 1890 in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, USA
- Died
- April 10, 1952
- Active Years
- 1920–2024 (105 Years)
- Total Credits
- 67 credits in database
Biography
Leo Willis was an American actor who began his career during the silent film era. Born on January 5, 1890, in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, he was known for portraying tough guys and comic villains. His work included appearances alongside Harold Lloyd, Charley Chase, and the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy at the Hal Roach Studios. His filmography includes credits such as The Bull's Eye in 1917, The Timber Queen in 1922, and The Big Killing in 1928. Outside of his professional life, he was married to May Frances Hennessy. Leo Willis died on April 10, 1952, in Monterey County, California. He is credited with 67 known acting roles throughout his career.
Career overview
Leo Willis was an American actor who began his career in the silent era. Known for playing mainly tough guys and comic villains, he notably appeared opposite Harold Lloyd, Charley Chase, and Laurel and Hardy at the Hal Roach Studios. His known film credits include The Bull's Eye in 1917, The Timber Queen in 1922, and The Big Killing in 1928.
He was born on January 5, 1890, in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, though another record notes his birth on January 4, 1890. He was married to May Frances Hennessy. Willis died on April 10, 1952, in Monterey County, California, at the age of 62. Throughout his active career in the film industry, he amassed 67 known acting credits.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
67 titles- Laurel & Hardy: Year Two (2024) as (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Dance of the Cookoos (1982) as Sailor
- The Bohemian Girl (1936) as Whipper in Torture Chamber
- Silly Billies (1936) as Bandit
- And Sudden Death (1936) as Traffic school bit
- The Daring Young Man (1935) as Guard
- The Gold Ghost (1934) as Outlaw Chief
- The Live Ghost (1934) as Sailor at Table
- Sealskins (1932) as Minor Role (uncredited)
- The Tabasco Kid (1932) as Murietta Henchman
- The Panic Is On (1931) as Hold-Up Man (uncredited)
- Everything’s Rosie (1931) as Jewel Store Robber
- Shadow of the Law (1930) as Engineer
- Below Zero (1930)
- Ladies Last (1930) as Tall Thug
- The Fighting Parson (1930) as The Banjo Player's Opponent (uncredited)
- Shivering and Shaking (1930) as Crook (uncredited)
- Welcome Danger (1929) as Cop (uncredited)
- While the City Sleeps (1928) as Skeeters Gang member
- Flying Elephants (1928) as Fisherman (uncredited)
- The Big Killing (1928) as Fourth Beagle Son
- Should Women Drive? (1928)
- Their Purple Moment (1928) as Cab Driver
- Call of the Cuckoo (1927) as Guest
- The Kid Brother (1927) as Leo Hickory
- For Heaven's Sake (1926) as Mug (uncredited)
- Saturday Afternoon (1926) as Rival Boyfriend
- A Hero of the Big Snows (1926) as Black Beasley
- The Tough Guy (1926) as Sam Jacks
- The Iron Horse (1925) as Gunman in Saloon (uncredited)
- Isn't Life Terrible? (1925) as Neighbor with Trunk (uncredited)
- No Father to Guide Him (1925) as Detective (uncredited)
- Looking for Sally (1925) as Cop
- Boobs in the Wood (1925) as Il cuoco
- Papa Be Good! (1925)
- The Night Club (1925) as Truck Driver
- Rock Bottom (1925) as Pay roll robber
- Sittin' Pretty (1924) as Car Thief
- Outdoor Pajamas (1924) as Jim McTrigger
- A Ten-Minute Egg (1924) as Man Who Offers Cards (uncredited)
- The White Sheep (1924) as Mose Tyler
- Bungalow Boobs (1924) as The Neighbor Husband
- Stolen Goods (1924) as Man in Phone Booth (uncredited)
- Jeffries, Jr. (1924) as Driver
- Powder and Smoke (1924) as The Bandit Chief
- Short Kilts (1924) as McGregor
- Souls for Sale (1923) as Electrician (uncredited)
- Wild Bill Hickok (1923) as Joe McCord
- All the Brothers Were Valiant (1923) as Tom
- Strictly Modern (1922)
- The Timber Queen (1922) as Bull Joyce
- An Unwilling Hero (1921) as Hobo
- O'Malley of the Mounted (1921) as Red Jaeger
- Three Word Brand (1921) as McCabe
- The Rent Collector (1921) as Bit Role (uncredited)
- The Toll Gate (1920) as Soldier
- Burglar by Proxy (1919) as One of Spider's Henchmen
- A Regular Fellow (1919) as Gangster
- Framing Framers (1917) as Gunman
- One Shot Ross (1917) as Briggs
- The Return of Draw Egan (1916) as Fight starter in Bar (uncredited)
- Hell's Hinges (1916) as Rowdy Townsman (uncredited)
- On the Night Stage (1915) as Man in bar (uncredited)
- Knight of the Trail (1915) as Bartender (uncredited)
- The Italian (1915) as Bill Corrigan
- The Coward (1915) as A Union Soldier
- The Bargain (1914) as Sheriff's Deputy
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Leo Willis best known for?
Leo Willis is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Bohemian Girl (1936), Shadow of the Law (1930), Welcome Danger (1929), Lilyhammer (2012).
When and where was Leo Willis born?
Leo Willis was born on January 4, 1890 in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, USA. They passed away on April 10, 1952.
How many credits does Leo Willis have?
Leo Willis has accumulated over 67 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1920 to 2024.
What is Leo Willis's background in cinema and television?
Leo Willis was an American actor who began his career during the silent film era. Born on January 5, 1890, in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, he was known for portraying tough guys and comic villains. His work included appearances alongside Harold Lloyd, Charley Chase, and the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy at the Hal Roach Studios....
Leo Willis by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Iron Horse (1925) as Gunman in Saloon (uncredited) — aged about 35
- Shadow of the Law (1930) as Engineer — aged about 40
- The Bohemian Girl (1936) as Whipper in Torture Chamber — aged about 46
- Welcome Danger (1929) as Cop (uncredited) — aged about 39
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