Walter Greaza

Walter Noel Greaza (pronounced Gree-zay; January 1, 1897 – June 1, 1973) was an American television, radio, stage and film actor.[1]

Walter Noel Greaza
Born
Walter Noel Greaza

(1897-01-01)January 1, 1897
St. Paul, Minnesota
DiedJune 1, 1973(1973-06-01) (aged 76)
Kew Gardens, New York
Years active1946–1965

Biography

Greaza was born on January 1, 1897, in St Paul, Minnesota, to Albert Edward Greaza and Mary Elizabeth Frickelton.[1] He studied business law and political science at the University of Minnesota in addition to acting with the university's drama organization. During World War I, he served in the U.S. Navy.[2]

Greaza was appointed national administrative chairman of the American Guild of Variety Artists in 1942[3] and was assistant executive secretary of Actors Equity in 1943.[4]

In 1948 he married Helene Ambrose.[5] They remained wed until her death in 1966.[6]

Greaza was president of The Lambs from 1953 to 1956.[1]

Greaza died at the Kew Gardens General Hospital on June 1, 1973, from cardiac arrest.[1]

Appearances

Greaza appeared in 8 films and 10 television programs between 1946 and 1965. His first film was The Story of Kenneth W. Randall, M.D. (1946) and his career ended with an episode in the television series The Defenders (1965).

On Broadway, Greaza appeared in Roman Candle (1960), Auntie Mame (1956), Temper the Wind (1946), The Overtons (1946), The Visitor (1944), Wallflower (1944), A New Life(1943), The Red Velvet Goat (1939), Sunup to Sundown (1938), To Quito and Back (1937), Sea Legs (1937), Now You've Done It (1937), All Editions (1936), Arrest That Woman (1936), If This Be Treason (1935), Ceiling Zero (1935), But Not For Love (1934), Judgment Day (1934), Wednesday's Child (1934), We, The People (1933), In Times Square (1931), Enemy Within (1931), and Love in the Tropics (1927).[7]

Greaza's film credits include: 13 Rue Madeleine (1947), Call Northside 777 (1948), The Street with No Name (1948), New Mexico (1951), and It Happened to Jane (1959).

On television, Greaza starred as The chief on Treasury Men in Action (1950–55)[8] and portrayed Winston Grimsley on The Edge of Night (from 1956 until his death).[2] His other TV credits include: The Philco Television Playhouse (1949), Martin Kane, Private Eye (1951), Hallmark Hall of Fame (1956), The Phil Silvers Show (1958), and The United States Steel Hour (1961–62).[2]

On radio, Greaza starred as Steve Wilson in Big Town.[9] He also played Inspector Ross on Crime Doctor,[9]: 86  and Russ in Lora Lawton[9]: 206  and had supporting roles in The FBI in Peace and War.[9]: 116 

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1946 The Story of Kenneth W. Randall, M.D. Sidney Duncan
13 Rue Madeleine Psychiatrist Uncredited
1947 Boomerang Mayor Swayze Uncredited
1948 Call Northside 777 Police Capt. Norris Uncredited
The Street with No Name Police Lt. Paul Staller
Larceny Mr. Owens
1949 The Great Gatsby Kinsella
1950 Mama Carter Lusan 2 episodes
1950-1955 Treasury Men in Action The Chief Main role
1951 New Mexico Col. McComb
1956-1969 The Edge of Night Winston Grimsley Series regular
1958 The Phil Silvers Show The Judge/Capt. Spencer 2 episodes
1959 It Happened to Jane Crawford Sloan
1961-1965 The Defenders Magistrate Fred Moriarity/Judge 4 episodes

References
  1. "Walter N. Greaza, Actor, 76, Is Dead. Served Actors Equity". New York Times. June 3, 1973. Retrieved 2015-01-07. Walter N. Greaza, a veteran character actor of stage, radio and television, died Friday in the Kew Gardens (Queens) Hospital. He was 76 years old and lived in Forest Hills, Queens ...
  2. "Walter Greaza Succumbs". Longview News-Journal. Texas, Longview. June 10, 1973. p. 78. Retrieved 17 June 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Come Seven!". Billboard. May 30, 1942. p. 4. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  4. "Greaza Back at Actors Equity". New York Times. February 24, 1943. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
  5. "Walter N. Greaza Weds". New York Times. April 6, 1948. Retrieved 2015-01-07. Walter N. Greaza Weds Walter N. Greaza, stage, film and radio actor, married Helene Ambrose, actress, on Saturday, known yesterday. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Walter Miller of ...
  6. "Helene Ambrose, 62, A Former Actress". New York Times. November 12, 1966. Retrieved 2015-01-07. Mrs. Helene Ambrose Greaza, a stage actress and the wife of Walter N. Greaza, also a stage and screen performer, died yesterday after a long illness at her home, 105-28 65th Road, Forest Hills ...
  7. "("Walter Greaza" search results)". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  8. Terrace, Vincent (2011). Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (2nd ed.). Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 1106. ISBN 978-0-7864-6477-7.
  9. Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 40–41. ISBN 978-0-7864-4513-4.


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