Richard Denning facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Denning
Denning as Michael Shayne
Born	Louis Albert Heindrich Denninger Jr. (1914-03-27)March 27, 1914 Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Died	October 11, 1998(1998-10-11) (aged 84) Escondido, California, U.S.
Resting place	Makawao Veterans' Cemetery
Education	Woodbury Business College (MBA)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1937–1980
Spouse(s)	Evelyn Ankers ​ ​ (m. 1942; died 1985)​ Patricia Leffingwell ​ (m. 1986)​
Children	1

Richard Denning (born March 27, 1914 – died October 11, 1998) was an American actor. He was famous for starring in science fiction films during the 1950s. Some of his well-known movies include Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and The Black Scorpion (1957).

Denning also acted in the film An Affair to Remember (1957) with Cary Grant. On radio, he worked with Lucille Ball in My Favorite Husband (1948–1951). This radio show was the start of the famous TV series I Love Lucy. Later in his career, he became widely known as Governor Paul Jameson in the TV show Hawaii Five-O from the late 1960s to early 1980s.

Early Life and Education

Richard Denning was born as Louis Albert Heindrich Denninger Jr. in Poughkeepsie, New York. When he was about 18 months old, his family moved to Los Angeles, California.

He went to Manual Arts High School. After that, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles. His original plan was to take over his father's clothing manufacturing business. However, he soon became very interested in acting.

During World War II, Denning joined the U.S. Navy. He served his country by working on submarines.

Acting Career Highlights

Richard Denning was especially known for his roles in science fiction and horror films of the 1950s. He also played the husband opposite Lucille Ball in the radio series My Favorite Husband. This show later led to the popular TV series I Love Lucy.

Starting in Hollywood

Denning began his acting career in the 1930s. He often played smaller supporting roles. His military service during World War II paused his acting work. After leaving the Navy, it took him about a year and a half to find more acting jobs. During this time, he and his family lived in a mobile home.

Radio and Early Television Roles

With Pat Crowley in an episode of Michael Shayne (1961)

Denning's acting break came when he was cast in the radio show My Favorite Husband. He starred alongside Lucille Ball. This CBS Radio comedy show ran for 124 episodes from 1948 to 1951.

The show was so popular that it inspired the famous television sitcom I Love Lucy. CBS wanted Denning to continue playing the husband on TV. However, Lucille Ball insisted that her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, play the role instead. Even though he didn't get the I Love Lucy part, his radio work helped him get a role on the CBS TV series Mr. and Mrs. North.

On television, Denning played the main character in the 1950 adventure series Ding Howe and the Flying Tigers. He also starred as Dr. Greg Graham in The Flying Doctor (1959). He played the detective in the series Michael Shayne (1960–1961). He also shared the lead role with Barbara Britton in the detective series Mr. and Mrs. North (1952–1954).

From 1964 to 1965, Denning played Steve Scott in the comedy series Karen.

Later Career and Hawaii Five-O

In 1968, Denning finished his last film, a comedy called I Sailed to Tahiti with an All Girl Crew. He was mostly retired and living on the island of Maui with his wife.

Then, producer Leonard Freeman contacted him. Freeman offered him a supporting role as Governor Paul Jameson in the TV detective series Hawaii Five-O. To convince Denning to take the role, Freeman promised him shorter workdays and a four-day work week. Denning played this role from 1968 to 1980.

Awards and Recognition

Richard Denning has a special star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located at 6932 Hollywood Boulevard in the Television section. It was dedicated on February 8, 1960. This star honors his contributions to television.

Personal Life

In 1942, Richard Denning married Evelyn Ankers. She was a well-known actress in horror films during the 1940s. After they got married, Evelyn retired from acting at age 32. Richard and Evelyn had one daughter, Diana Denning.

Evelyn Ankers passed away from cancer in 1985. In 1986, Denning married Patricia Leffingwell.

Richard Denning died from a heart attack on October 11, 1998. He was 84 years old and was visiting relatives in Southern California. He passed away nine months after his Hawaii Five-O co-star Jack Lord, who died in January 1998. Richard Denning and Evelyn Ankers are buried together at Makawao Veterans' Cemetery in Makawao, Hawaii.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Richard Denning para niños