Veteran Actor Richard Crenna Dies at 76 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brett Ferino · 01-18-2003, 08:40 PM

LOS ANGELES - Richard Crenna, the Emmy award-winning character actor who starred as a lovesick teenager on "Our Miss Brooks" and Sylvester Stallone (news)'s Green Beret mentor in the "Rambo" films, has died. He was 76.

Crenna, whose credits also included "Wait Until Dark," "The Flamingo Kid," and television's "The Real McCoys," died Friday of pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, daughter Seana Crenna said Saturday.

Crenna's role on the CBS drama series "Judging Amy" was recently put on hold as he battled cancer.

Born in Los Angeles, Crenna's career began at the age of 10 when he broke into radio. The squeaky-voiced youngster appeared on "Burns and Allen"; later, he played love-sick teen Walter Denton on "Our Miss Brooks," moving with the show when it switched to television.

"For the first 20 years I was almost exclusively a radio actor — until television came in," Crenna told The Associated Press in 1999. "In those days, radio actors were considered actors who could talk, but they couldn't walk and talk at the same time."

Crenna disproved that theory, playing pitcher Daffy Dean in 1953 film "Pride of St. Louis" and bringing his Denton character to television and the big screen.

From 1957 through 1963, he played opposite Walter Brennan on the television series "The Real McCoys." In the show's last two seasons, Crenna directed some episodes; he later directed episodes of "The Andy Griffith (news) Show" and "Lou Grant."

In 1966, Crenna appeared with Steve McQueen in "The Sand Pebbles," and played one of three con men who terrorized a blind Audrey Hepburn in the 1967 thriller "Wait Until Dark."

Crenna moved easily between television and the movies, and worked steadily through the years. He appeared in several critically hailed movies, including roles as the cuckolded husband in the steamy 1981 film "Body Heat," and as the conniving card shark opposite Matt Dillon (news) in 1984's "The Flamingo Kid."

The latter role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor.

He also portrayed Col. Samuel Trautman, the mentor to Stallone's "Rambo" character, in all three of those films. His character's name: Col. Denton Walters, a nod to his old radio persona.

Crenna later spoofed that role in the 1993 comedy "Hot Shots! Part Deux," a parody of such high-testosterone films.

He earned an Emmy for his 1985 performance as the title character in "The Rape of Richard Beck," where he played a macho, sexist police officer whose world changes after he becomes the victim of a sexual assault.

Crenna's work as a tough-guy cop became a staple. He played Lt. Frank Janek in a series of television movies during the '80s and early '90s, and appeared in 1999 in a four-hour television series about three generations of a police family.

Most recently, he appeared as the love interest opposite Tyne Daly (news) on CBS' "Judging Amy." An episode featuring a wedding between the two characters was recently postponed because of Crenna's illness.

Crenna is survived by wife Penni and three adult children.

Family members were arranging a public service to be held Jan. 25.

Janice · 01-19-2003, 01:53 AM

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D7OKVIDO0.html
By LAURA WIDES

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Richard Crenna, the Emmy award-winning character actor who starred as a lovesick teenager on "Our Miss Brooks" and Sylvester Stallone's Green Beret mentor in the "Rambo" films, has died. He was 76.

Crenna, whose credits also included "Wait Until Dark,""The Flamingo Kid," and television's "The Real McCoys," died Friday of pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, daughter Seana Crenna said Saturday.

"This came very sudden," she said.

Crenna's role on the CBS drama series "Judging Amy" was recently put on hold as he battled cancer.

"He was one of the brightest, nicest, funniest and most talented actors I've ever worked with," Sylvester Stallone said Saturday. "He was everyone's friend."

Crenna often played tough guys on screen, but at home he rarely lost his sense of humor, his family said.

"Even after 46 years, he had me laughing, even in the hospital," his wife, Penni Crenna, said Saturday.

Born in Los Angeles, Crenna's career began at the age of 10 when he broke into radio. The squeaky-voiced youngster appeared on "Burns and Allen"; later, he played love-sick teen Walter Denton on "Our Miss Brooks," moving with the show when it switched to television.

"For the first 20 years I was almost exclusively a radio actor - until television came in," Crenna told The Associated Press in 1999. "In those days, radio actors were considered actors who could talk, but they couldn't walk and talk at the same time."

Crenna disproved that theory, playing pitcher Daffy Dean in 1953 film "Pride of St. Louis" and bringing his Denton character to television and the big screen.

From 1957 through 1963, he played opposite Walter Brennan on the television series "The Real McCoys." In the show's last two seasons, Crenna directed some episodes; he later directed episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Lou Grant."

In 1966, Crenna appeared with Steve McQueen in "The Sand Pebbles," and played one of three con men who terrorized a blind Audrey Hepburn in the 1967 thriller "Wait Until Dark."

Crenna moved easily between television and the movies, and worked steadily through the years. He appeared in several critically hailed movies, including roles as the cuckolded husband in the steamy 1981 film "Body Heat," and as the conniving card shark opposite Matt Dillon in 1984's "The Flamingo Kid."

The latter role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor.

He also portrayed Col. Samuel Trautman, the mentor to Stallone's "Rambo" character, in all three of those films.

Crenna later spoofed that role in the 1993 comedy "Hot Shots! Part Deux," a parody of such high-testosterone films. His character's name: Col. Denton Walters, a nod to his old radio persona.

He earned an Emmy for his 1985 performance as the title character in "The Rape of Richard Beck," where he played a macho, sexist police officer whose world changes after he becomes the victim of a sexual assault.

Crenna's work as a tough-guy cop became a staple. He played Lt. Frank Janek in a series of television movies during the '80s and early '90s, and appeared in 1999 in a four-hour television series about three generations of a police family.

Most recently, he appeared as the love interest opposite Tyne Daly on CBS'"Judging Amy." An episode featuring a wedding between the two characters was recently postponed because of Crenna's illness.

Crenna is survived by his wife and three adult children.

Family members were arranging a public service to be held Jan. 25.

Brian · 01-19-2003, 02:08 AM

That is sad.

Faith · 01-19-2003, 09:56 AM

Rest In Peace Richard

Pitooey · 01-19-2003, 10:37 AM

Here is a photo of Richard crenna.........

TJL · 01-19-2003, 10:38 AM

Wow! What a shock. That is sad...

Cactus Jack · 01-19-2003, 12:12 PM

Tahts very sad

dawsongirl · 01-19-2003, 02:43 PM

I was so shocked.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ap/obit_crenna

~LadyJess~ · 01-19-2003, 02:50 PM

Even though I only know him from his part in an episode of "I Love Lucy" this still is a shock.

Kitt · 01-19-2003, 05:39 PM

RIP Richard Crenna (Little Luke).

isiahthomas · 01-19-2003, 09:49 PM

I remember Richard from the first 2 Rambo movies, i liked his character. Did he play in the 3rd Rambo? RIP Richard, he was a good actor.

Brian · 01-19-2003, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by isiahthomas
I remember Richard from the first 2 Rambo movies, i liked his character. Did he play in the 3rd Rambo? RIP Richard, he was a good actor.

Yes he was in Rambo III.

Marvo301 · 01-20-2003, 09:14 PM

Rest in Peace Mr. Crenna. And thanks for the memories.

Penny Lane · 01-21-2003, 01:31 PM

Richard played Col. Frank Skimmerhorn in the miniseries "Centennial". He was great! The role he played was quite a nasty, vengeful character and he pulled it off beautifully! Has anybody else seen Centennial? If not you are missing what I think was/is the best miniseries ever produced! It doesn't get nearly enough recognition.

onefortheroad · 08-09-2003, 12:43 AM

RIP

01-18-2003, 08:40 PM	#1
Brett Ferino Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 18, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,782	Veteran Actor Richard Crenna Dies at 76 LOS ANGELES - Richard Crenna, the Emmy award-winning character actor who starred as a lovesick teenager on "Our Miss Brooks" and Sylvester Stallone (news)'s Green Beret mentor in the "Rambo" films, has died. He was 76. Crenna, whose credits also included "Wait Until Dark," "The Flamingo Kid," and television's "The Real McCoys," died Friday of pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, daughter Seana Crenna said Saturday. Crenna's role on the CBS drama series "Judging Amy" was recently put on hold as he battled cancer. Born in Los Angeles, Crenna's career began at the age of 10 when he broke into radio. The squeaky-voiced youngster appeared on "Burns and Allen"; later, he played love-sick teen Walter Denton on "Our Miss Brooks," moving with the show when it switched to television. "For the first 20 years I was almost exclusively a radio actor — until television came in," Crenna told The Associated Press in 1999. "In those days, radio actors were considered actors who could talk, but they couldn't walk and talk at the same time." Crenna disproved that theory, playing pitcher Daffy Dean in 1953 film "Pride of St. Louis" and bringing his Denton character to television and the big screen. From 1957 through 1963, he played opposite Walter Brennan on the television series "The Real McCoys." In the show's last two seasons, Crenna directed some episodes; he later directed episodes of "The Andy Griffith (news) Show" and "Lou Grant." In 1966, Crenna appeared with Steve McQueen in "The Sand Pebbles," and played one of three con men who terrorized a blind Audrey Hepburn in the 1967 thriller "Wait Until Dark." Crenna moved easily between television and the movies, and worked steadily through the years. He appeared in several critically hailed movies, including roles as the cuckolded husband in the steamy 1981 film "Body Heat," and as the conniving card shark opposite Matt Dillon (news) in 1984's "The Flamingo Kid." The latter role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor. He also portrayed Col. Samuel Trautman, the mentor to Stallone's "Rambo" character, in all three of those films. His character's name: Col. Denton Walters, a nod to his old radio persona. Crenna later spoofed that role in the 1993 comedy "Hot Shots! Part Deux," a parody of such high-testosterone films. He earned an Emmy for his 1985 performance as the title character in "The Rape of Richard Beck," where he played a macho, sexist police officer whose world changes after he becomes the victim of a sexual assault. Crenna's work as a tough-guy cop became a staple. He played Lt. Frank Janek in a series of television movies during the '80s and early '90s, and appeared in 1999 in a four-hour television series about three generations of a police family. Most recently, he appeared as the love interest opposite Tyne Daly (news) on CBS' "Judging Amy." An episode featuring a wedding between the two characters was recently postponed because of Crenna's illness. Crenna is survived by wife Penni and three adult children. Family members were arranging a public service to be held Jan. 25.

01-19-2003, 01:53 AM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Richard Crenna dies at 76 http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D7OKVIDO0.html By LAURA WIDES LOS ANGELES (AP) - Richard Crenna, the Emmy award-winning character actor who starred as a lovesick teenager on "Our Miss Brooks" and Sylvester Stallone's Green Beret mentor in the "Rambo" films, has died. He was 76. Crenna, whose credits also included "Wait Until Dark,""The Flamingo Kid," and television's "The Real McCoys," died Friday of pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, daughter Seana Crenna said Saturday. "This came very sudden," she said. Crenna's role on the CBS drama series "Judging Amy" was recently put on hold as he battled cancer. "He was one of the brightest, nicest, funniest and most talented actors I've ever worked with," Sylvester Stallone said Saturday. "He was everyone's friend." Crenna often played tough guys on screen, but at home he rarely lost his sense of humor, his family said. "Even after 46 years, he had me laughing, even in the hospital," his wife, Penni Crenna, said Saturday. Born in Los Angeles, Crenna's career began at the age of 10 when he broke into radio. The squeaky-voiced youngster appeared on "Burns and Allen"; later, he played love-sick teen Walter Denton on "Our Miss Brooks," moving with the show when it switched to television. "For the first 20 years I was almost exclusively a radio actor - until television came in," Crenna told The Associated Press in 1999. "In those days, radio actors were considered actors who could talk, but they couldn't walk and talk at the same time." Crenna disproved that theory, playing pitcher Daffy Dean in 1953 film "Pride of St. Louis" and bringing his Denton character to television and the big screen. From 1957 through 1963, he played opposite Walter Brennan on the television series "The Real McCoys." In the show's last two seasons, Crenna directed some episodes; he later directed episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Lou Grant." In 1966, Crenna appeared with Steve McQueen in "The Sand Pebbles," and played one of three con men who terrorized a blind Audrey Hepburn in the 1967 thriller "Wait Until Dark." Crenna moved easily between television and the movies, and worked steadily through the years. He appeared in several critically hailed movies, including roles as the cuckolded husband in the steamy 1981 film "Body Heat," and as the conniving card shark opposite Matt Dillon in 1984's "The Flamingo Kid." The latter role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor. He also portrayed Col. Samuel Trautman, the mentor to Stallone's "Rambo" character, in all three of those films. Crenna later spoofed that role in the 1993 comedy "Hot Shots! Part Deux," a parody of such high-testosterone films. His character's name: Col. Denton Walters, a nod to his old radio persona. He earned an Emmy for his 1985 performance as the title character in "The Rape of Richard Beck," where he played a macho, sexist police officer whose world changes after he becomes the victim of a sexual assault. Crenna's work as a tough-guy cop became a staple. He played Lt. Frank Janek in a series of television movies during the '80s and early '90s, and appeared in 1999 in a four-hour television series about three generations of a police family. Most recently, he appeared as the love interest opposite Tyne Daly on CBS'"Judging Amy." An episode featuring a wedding between the two characters was recently postponed because of Crenna's illness. Crenna is survived by his wife and three adult children. Family members were arranging a public service to be held Jan. 25.

01-19-2003, 10:37 AM	#5
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	Here is a photo of Richard crenna......... Attached Images
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

01-19-2003, 10:38 AM	#6
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,591	Wow! What a shock. That is sad...
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

01-19-2003, 12:12 PM	#7
Cactus Jack RonFingSwanson Forum Idol Join Date: Dec 09, 2001 Location: Santa Rosa Beach,FL Posts: 103,099	Tahts very sad
	__________________ Id Love to help you Tracy, but I cant have sex with a black guy, Id lose my endorsement deal with NASCAR-Jenna Maroney,30 Rock April 17,2009 9:02 PM : 100,000th post!

01-19-2003, 02:08 AM	#3
Brian Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jun 23, 2001 Posts: 20,451	That is sad.

01-19-2003, 09:56 AM	#4
Faith Internet Junkie Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 07, 2002 Location: HELL Posts: 9,879	Rest In Peace Richard

01-19-2003, 02:43 PM	#8
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,128	Veteran Actor Richard Crenna Dies I was so shocked. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ap/obit_crenna

01-19-2003, 02:50 PM	#9
~LadyJess~ Football Chick Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 15, 2002 Location: At the Shamrock doing shots with Mo Posts: 8,260	Even though I only know him from his part in an episode of "I Love Lucy" this still is a shock.
	__________________ 8/26/05 Jessica & Anthony

01-19-2003, 05:39 PM	#10
Kitt James Dean Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 16, 2001 Location: California Dreamin' Posts: 6,115	RIP Richard Crenna (Little Luke).

01-19-2003, 09:49 PM	#11
isiahthomas Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Aug 20, 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 10,704	I remember Richard from the first 2 Rambo movies, i liked his character. Did he play in the 3rd Rambo? RIP Richard, he was a good actor.

01-20-2003, 09:14 PM	#13
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	Rest in Peace Mr. Crenna. And thanks for the memories.

01-21-2003, 01:31 PM	#14
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,174	Richard played Col. Frank Skimmerhorn in the miniseries "Centennial". He was great! The role he played was quite a nasty, vengeful character and he pulled it off beautifully! Has anybody else seen Centennial? If not you are missing what I think was/is the best miniseries ever produced! It doesn't get nearly enough recognition. Attached Images
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

08-09-2003, 12:43 AM	#15
onefortheroad #1 Cheers Fanatic Senior Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2003 Location: Boston, waiting for Cheers Season 2 to come out on DVD Posts: 2,359	RIP
	__________________ Where Everybody Knows Your Name KRAMER: Oh. So, did you make it through the night? JERRY: Yes, I'm proud to say I did! KRAMER: So, you're still master of your domain. JERRY: Yes. Yes I am. Master of my domain. But I will tell you this: I am going over to (Gestures to the nudist) her apartment, and I'm tellin' her to put those shades down! KRAMER: Woah, woah, woah. What-what did you just say? JERRY: I can't take it anymore! She's driving me crazy! I can't sleep, I can't leave the house, and I' here, I'm climbin' the walls. Meanwhile, I'm dating a virgin, I'm in this contest - something's gotta give!