Royal Dano (born November 16, 1922; died May 15, 1994) was an American film and television character actor. Born in New York City, he left home at the age of 12 and at various intervals, lived in Florida, Texas and California. After reaching an agreement with his father, he agreed to continue his education, on the condition that he be allowed to travel.

Dano is best remembered for his supporting roles in a number of 1950s western and mystery films, but achieved cult status for his roles in three films in particular. In "The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao" (1964), he portrayed Lucas, a cowboy henchman. With no spoken dialogue (only one solo song), Dano was unforgettable as the saddened, unnamed preacher in "The Right Stuff" (1983). One of his final roles, the one for which he is best remembered by younger audiences, was as Wrenchmuller in 1990's "Spaced Invaders" (which has become a Halloween classic). He frequently worked with Anthony Mann and James Stewart, usually as a sinister antagonist. One interesting note is that Dano was the voice of Abraham Lincoln for Walt Disney's Hall of Presidents at the 1960 World's Fair. His voice was used when the exhibit was brought to Disneyland, and continues to be used today. Dano voiced Lincoln once again in 1964 in Disney's audioanimatronic production "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" for the 1964 World's Fair (which was also exhibited at Disneyland). At age 71, Royal Dano died of a heart attack following a car accident.

External links

• ^* Listing of TV & film credits, with some photos.

1922 births | 1994 deaths | American actors | American film actors | American television actors | American character actors | Entertainers who died in their 70s | People from New York City | Film actors