Leon Greene

Lenard George Green (15 July 1931 – 19 June 2021), better known as Leon Greene, was an English bass and actor. He was known for his work with the D'Oyly Carte Company and the Sadler's Wells Opera, as well as starring roles in several West End musicals. He played Miles Gloriosus in the original London production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which he reprised for the 1966 film version. He was also a cast member of three Carry On films, and for director Richard Lester.

Early life Born Lenard George Green in East Ham, Essex (now in London) in 1931, he was the son of Esther (née Ticquet) and Leonard Green, a crane driver at London docks. During World War II, the family moved to Southend-on-Sea, where he studied engineering at the town’s municipal college, singing in its operatic society.

In 1958 he was listed as the Publicity Manager of the London Opera Group, a professional touring opera company directed by Peter Glossop, also singing the title role in Don Pasquale.

Musical theatre In 1963, he moved on to musical comedy, appearing in the West End production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as the Roman captain Miles Gloriosus. He then reprised the role for the musical's 1966 film adaptation.

Greene's portrayal of Sweeney Todd in a Half Moon Theatre production in 1985 was described as "the best, grisliest version" in relation to later productions. He reprised Miles Gloriosus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Chichester Festival Theatre in the summer of 1986, and the Baron for Scottish Opera and in the award-winning production of Candide at the Old Vic in 1988–89.

Beginning in the 1990s, he worked in pantomime, and worked with Lionel Blair to help introduce the genre to Canada.

Death Greene died in June 2021, aged 89.

Partial filmography

How to Undress in Public Without Undue Embarrassment (1965) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) - Captain Miles Gloriosus Don't Lose Your Head (1966) - Malabonce Camelot (1967) - Sir Turloc (uncredited) A Challenge for Robin Hood (1967) - Little John The Devil Rides Out (1968) - Rex Van Ryn Assignment to Kill (1968) - The Big Man Carry On Henry (1971) - Torturer Carry On at Your Convenience (1971) - Chef The Persuaders (1971) - Abel Gaunt 11 Harrowhouse (1974) - Max Toland, Jewel Thief The Four Musketeers (1974) - Swiss Officer Royal Flash (1975) - Grundwig The Ritz (1976) - Muscle Bound Patron The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976) - Squire Holmes Adventures of a Private Eye (1977) - Rosco The Squeeze (1977) - Commissionaire Adventures of a Plumber's Mate (1978) - Biggs The Thief of Baghdad (1978) - Jaudur's Guard The Human Factor (1979) - Tall Man Flash Gordon (1980) - Colonel of Battle Control Room Masada (1981, TV Mini-Series) - 1st Centurion The Return of the Musketeers (1989) - Captain Groslow