Leon Isaac Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leon Isaac Kennedy
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Kennedy in 2015
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| Born | January 1, 1949 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1970–1996 |
| Known for | Martel "Too Sweet" Gordone – Penitentiary, Penitentiary II, Penitentiary III Leon "The Lover" Johnson – Body and Soul |
| Spouse(s) |
Lolita Armbrister
(m. 1995)Maureen LaVette
(m. 2005) |
Leon Isaac Kennedy, born on January 1, 1949, is an American actor. He also worked as a disc jockey, film producer, and writer for plays. He is well-known for playing Martel "Too Sweet" Gordone in the Penitentiary movie series. He also starred as Leon "The Lover" Johnson in the 1981 film Body and Soul.
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Leon Isaac Kennedy was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His birthday is January 1, 1949. He started his career as a disc jockey. He also promoted events at nightclubs.
In June 1971, Kennedy moved to Los Angeles, California. He wanted to find more success there. In California, he became a DJ for a rock radio station. He also helped coordinate a variety show.
Acting Roles and Film Work
Kennedy began acting in movies in the 1970s. In 1972, he had a part in the action film Hammer. This movie starred Fred Williamson. Kennedy appeared in another Fred Williamson film in 1976. It was called Mean Johnny Barrows.
Later, in 1978, Kennedy was in the movie Death Force. He acted alongside James Iglehart. His wife at the time, Jayne Kennedy, also appeared in this film.
Starring in Penitentiary and Body and Soul
In 1979, Kennedy played Martel "Too Sweet" Gordone. This was in the movie Penitentiary. He returned to this role in Penitentiary II (1982). He also starred in Penitentiary III (1987).
In 1981, the film Body and Soul was released. Kennedy played the main character, Leon Johnson. Leon was a boxer who was becoming famous. Kennedy also wrote the story for this movie. The film was a new version of the 1947 movie Body and Soul. It also starred Jayne Kennedy and Peter Lawford.
Later Acting Work
In 1983, Kennedy appeared in the movie Lone Wolf McQuade. He continued to act in different films. In 1988, he was in Skeleton Coast. This movie featured actors like Ernest Borgnine and Oliver Reed.
In 1991, Kennedy appeared on a TV show. He played a character named Spider. This was in an episode of Against the Law called "Damages."
Personal Life
Leon Isaac Kennedy has been married three times. In June 1971, he married Jayne Harrison. She was a beauty pageant contestant from Wickliffe, Ohio. They later separated in 1982.
In 1995, Kennedy married Lolita Armbrister. Then, in August 2005, he married actress Maureen LaVette. In the early 1990s, Kennedy became a Christian evangelist.
