7.5
Movie
Acting
William LeMassena
- Born
- Died
- (aged 76)
- Birthplace
- Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA
- Credits
- 14 titles
Biography
William LeMassena (May 23, 1916 – January 19, 1993) was an American actor. He was best known for his roles in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, the film All That Jazz (1979), and the soap opera As the World Turns (1985–1992). LeMassena was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey on May 23, 1916, the son of Margery L. (1883–1942) and William Henry LeMassena (1874–1944). He graduated from New York University.
LeMassena made his acting debut in the 1940 Broadway production of The Taming of the Shrew, starring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. He then became a regular part of the Lunt's unofficial rep company of actors, including Sydney Greenstreet, Thomas Gomez, and Montgomery Clift, with whom he appeared in There Shall Be No Night and Mexican Mural.
LeMassena was a close friend of Montgomery Clift, with whom he was in a relationship for three years during the early 1940s. Although Clift publicly dated Phyllis Thaxter, he and LeMassena continued to see each other privately during the run of There Shall Be No Night. The relationship ended when LeMassena left to serve overseas. LeMassena said of his relationship with Clift, "…over the course of three years we bared our souls, and found out everything about each other." "Our affair was for me the most beautiful experience in my life.
He died of lung cancer at his home in New Suffolk, New York on January 19, 1993, at age 76.
Signature work
Known For
7.5
Movie
7.2
TV
Tales from the Darkside
5.3
Movie
Carousel
5.9
Movie
The World of Henry Orient
6.0
Movie
Where’s Poppa?
6.0
Movie
See You in the Morning
4.0
Movie
Golden Tales
5.3
Movie
Rascals and Robbers: The Secret Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn
7.2
Movie
One Touch of Venus
8.0
TV
Lincoln
7.5
Movie
The Tempest
Movie
Naughty Marietta
Acting credits 14
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Golden Tales Film | Charles Pennywell (segment "Do Not Open This Box") |
| 1989 | See You in the Morning Film | Larry's Father |
| 1984 | Tales from the Darkside TV | Charles Pennywell (1 ep) |
| 1983 | Montgomery Clift Film | Self |
| 1982 | Rascals and Robbers: The Secret Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn Film | Judge Thatcher |
| 1979 | All That Jazz Film | Jonesy Hecht |
| 1974 | Lincoln TV | Remley (1 ep) |
| 1970 | Where’s Poppa? Film | Judge |
| 1964 | The World of Henry Orient Film | (as William Le Massena) |
| 1960 | The Tempest Film | Antonio |
| 1957 | On Borrowed Time Film | Doctor Evans |
| 1956 | Carousel Film | Heavenly Friend |
| 1955 | One Touch of Venus Film | Zuvetli |
| 1955 | Naughty Marietta Film | Rudolfo |