Leonard Strong

Biography

Leonard Clarence Strong, born on August 12, 1908, in Salt Lake City, Utah, was an esteemed American character actor recognized for his versatility in portraying Asian roles. His career took off with his debut in "Little Tokyo, U.S.A." in 1942, leading to a variety of performances as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and more in films like "Dragon Seed" (1944), "Up in Arms" (1944), "Jack London" (1943), "Salute to the Marines" (1943), and "Night Plane from Chungking" (1943). Strong also played a Thai interpreter in both the original "Anna and the King of Siam" and its musical remake, "The King and I." Notably, he appeared as Ernie Wright, a homesteader, in the classic film "Shane" (1953).

Strong garnered additional fame on television, notably as "The Claw" on the comedic series "Get Smart." His memorable role in an episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1960), titled "The Cure," showcased his ability to blend humor and suspense. In this episode, he portrayed Luiz, a loyal native whose miscommunication leads to a shocking revelation about his employer's wife.

Moreover, Strong delivered a haunting performance in the iconic "Twilight Zone" episode, "The Hitch-Hiker," where his character's silent yet eerie presence has made a lasting impact. His iconic line, "Going my way?" is part of the memorable opening scenes of the series' DVD collection. Leonard Strong passed away on January 23, 1980, in Glendale, California, leaving behind a rich legacy in film and television.