William LeMassena

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

Acting credits 14

YearTitleRole
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
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