Trivia

On 22 September 2000, he appeared as an ordinary, non-celebrity contestant on Wheel of Fortune (1983). He placed second, winning $4,250 and a trip to Bermuda valued at $5,310.

Best remembered as the self-important father of the gum-chomping Violet Beauregarde in the film Willy Wonka y su fábrica de chocolates (1971).

He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After World War II, he studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England. Then he moved to Australia where he joined the traveling theatre production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, "South Pacific".

Was nominated for Broadway's 1959 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for "Redhead."

He is survived by his granddaughter, Lindsey Fryman-Borchard; his wife, Carole; three daughters, Robin Stone, Debbie Stone, and Jan Fryman; a son, Michael Merkow-Stone; and seven more grandchildren.

Studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Leonard wrote a children's book called Keepy, the Kangaroo Who Never Grew, that was published a few months before he passed away.

Last acting role was in the TV movie Surrender, Dorothy (2005), starring Diane Keaton.

Passed away one day before his 88th birthday.

In 1959, Leonard Stone and Russell Nype tied for the Tony Award for Featured Actor in a Musical. Leonard won for "Redhead" and Russell won for "Goldilocks". Theirs is the second of 10 ties to have occurred at the Tonys.