Leo Grills

Leo Dennis Grills (26 May 1928 – 27 July 2007 ), known professionally as Lucky Grills, was an Australian actor and comedian. His best known acting role was in the crime drama TV series Bluey playing the title role, and later parodied in Bargearse. Grills took his professionally working name after the Italian-American gangster Lucky Luciano.

Early life Grills was born on Johnson Street in Moonah, a suburb of Hobart, Tasmania, on 26 May 1928, to Francis Leonard Grills and Hilda May (née Dennis). He was the youngest of five siblings, who were Thelda Jean, Raymond Ernest, Eunice and Faye Grills.

Career

Grills first foray into of entertainment came as part of the musical comedy duo 'Tex and Lucky’, performing around Melbourne at parties, clubs and the Hawthorn Town Hall, before he successfully auditioned for the 1948 Revue with the Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne. He later moved with the show to the New Tivoli Theatre, Sydney. He would change his material to suit his audience, stating: "Some people know me as the dirtiest comic in the business... but others know me as a man who never drops even a mild four-letter word."

Personal life Grills was married three times. His first wife Beryl did not enjoy show business or travel, but they parted on amicable terms. His second marriage was to a dancer, Karen Sanders, with whom he performed in a duo as ‘Lucky and Sunny’ in Britain and South Africa for several years. They had 2 children Adam and Shanra. He was happily married to third wife Maria until his death.

Grills was a Freemason. He was initiated into the three degrees of Freemasonry on 22 April, 24 June and 26 August respectively, in Lodge Thespian No. 256 UGL of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory.

Death On 28 July, 2007, at the age of 79, Grills died in his sleep at his home on the Gold Coast in Queensland. On the day prior to his death he was still working and had made two public appearances back to back. A celebration of his life was held at Mermaid Waters. His cremated remains were later interred with his parents at Cheltenham Memorial Cemetery in Melbourne on 19 December 2007. 'Make em Laugh’ is engraved on his memorial plaque.