Len Lesser

Photo of Len Lesser

Biography

He received his showbiz start during the era of 1950s live television before graduating to feature films like "The Birdman of Alcatraz" (1962). His onscreen versatility led to larger roles in 1970s classic features like "Kelly's Heroes" (1970) and "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976), but he was perhaps best remembered as Jerry Seinfeld's bizarre Uncle Leo on several seasons of "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998). Apart from a financial windfall earned …
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Job Title

Actor

Born

Leonard King Lesser on December 3, 1922 in New York City, New York, USA

Career Milestones

Appeared in various stage productions before serving in the Army during World War II

Studied acting in New York City after the war

1954

Moved to Los Angeles and began working in television and commercials

1955

Made his feature film debut in "Shack Out on 101"

1962

Appeared in "The Birdman of Alcatraz"

1965

Had a recurring role as KAOS agent Luden on "Get Smart" (NBC)

1970

Played a platoon sergeant in the Clint Eastwood comedy "Kelly's Heroes"

1973

Cast opposite Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman in "Papillion"

1976

Again played opposite Clint Eastwood in "The Outlaw Josey Wales"

1981

Had a small part in "Take this Job and Shove It"

1991

Had a memorable role as Uncle Leo on the sitcom "Seinfeld" (NBC)

1996

Played the recurring role of Garvin, friend of Peter Boyle's Frank Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond" (CBS)

2002

Portrayed millionaire Nick Pappasmearos Jr. on "Son of the Beach" (FX)