Actor. Probably best remembered for playing Sam Beauregarde, the father of Violet who transformed into a blueberry in the classic motion picture adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantasy novel "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971). Born in Salem, Oregon, Stone studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and had already begun his career in entertainment, prior to his service as a mine sweeper in the Pacific Theater with the US Navy during World War II. Upon his return home, he was a member of a touring company production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific," before launching during the mid-1950s what was to become a lengthy resume of TV credits, beginning with the live drama "Kraft Theatre" (1956). His film initiation would be in the low-budget "The Mugger" (1958) and by the conclusion of the decade, he distinguished himself with a Tony Award nomination for his role of George Poppett in the production of "Redhead" (1959 to 1960). He remained active into the late-1990s, tallying more-than 100 TV and film credits. He died from cancer.
Actor. Probably best remembered for playing Sam Beauregarde, the father of Violet who transformed into a blueberry in the classic motion picture adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantasy novel "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971). Born in Salem, Oregon, Stone studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and had already begun his career in entertainment, prior to his service as a mine sweeper in the Pacific Theater with the US Navy during World War II. Upon his return home, he was a member of a touring company production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific," before launching during the mid-1950s what was to become a lengthy resume of TV credits, beginning with the live drama "Kraft Theatre" (1956). His film initiation would be in the low-budget "The Mugger" (1958) and by the conclusion of the decade, he distinguished himself with a Tony Award nomination for his role of George Poppett in the production of "Redhead" (1959 to 1960). He remained active into the late-1990s, tallying more-than 100 TV and film credits. He died from cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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