Ray Dannis, Theatre Palisades Actor

Raymond Leonard Dannis, a beloved uncle, friend and lifelong professional actor, passed away peacefully on December 27 following a short illness. He was 85. A resident of Venice since 1954, Raymond dedicated the last 40 years of his life to Theatre Palisades, where he was an actor, director, producer and board member. He had a love for pre-production and was also a talented baritone singer. Raymond was a Theatre Palisades institution. He had more roles in TP productions than any other actor and was involved in more than 30 productions. His last acting role at Theater Palisades was as the butler in ‘Holiday’ in 2003. He also co-produced ‘A Little Night Music,’ ‘Kiss Me Kate’ and ‘Driving miss Daisy.’ ‘I shall keep on going into my sunset years, always shining for my love of theatre’and to keep off the streets!’ he told one interviewer. Born on December 15, 1921 in Venice and raised near the coast, Raymond gained a love for the beach and swimming in the Pacific Ocean. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. Leaving the military after World War II, he worked different jobs but his main love, which eventually became his family, was acting. Raymond performed in such well-known plays as ‘Seidman and Sons,’ ‘The Best Man,’ ‘Raisin in the Sun,’ ‘Shot in the Dark,’ ‘Rhinoceros,’ ‘Sunrise at Campobello’ and ‘Anderson Trail.’ He appeared in theaters across the country in ‘You Can’t Take it With You,’ ‘David and Lisa,’ ‘My Three Angels,’ ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ ‘Waltz of the Toreadors,’ ‘Solid Gold Cadillac’ and ‘Bus Stop,’ to name a few. He displayed his talents on television in ‘My Three Sons,’ ‘Gunsmoke,’ ‘My Living Doll,’ ‘Perry Mason,’ ‘Slattery’s People,’ ‘Alcoa Hour,’ ‘GE Theatre’ and ‘I Spy.’ His many films include ‘Rosemary’s Baby,’ ‘The Chapman Report,’ ‘Sunrise at Campobello,’ ‘Last of the Secret Agents,’ ‘Harlow’ and starring in ‘Undertaker and His Pals’ and ‘Air Force.’ Ray also did many commercials upon request. Raymond was loved, and will be missed. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by three generations of nieces and nephews. A memorial and tribute will be held in Raymond’s honor this Sunday, February 4, at 8 p.m. in Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd.