Leonard Stone, a familiar character actor on television and in films who had a memorable turn as an overindulgent father in the 1971 movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” died at his home in San Diego.
In “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” with Gene Wilder in the title role, Mr. Stone played Violet Beauregarde’s father, Sam. Violet chews forbidden gum meant to simulate the flavors of an entire meal, and on reaching dessert — blueberry pie — Violet turns purple and swells like an overripe plum. Mr. Beauregarde shouts “Violet! You’re turning violet, Violet!” and falls into paroxysms of concern.
Mr. Stone happily repeated the line when fans asked to hear it.
Leonard Stone was born on Nov. 3, 1923, in Salem, Ore. After serving in the Navy in World War II, he attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, then moved to Australia, where he joined a traveling production of “South Pacific.”
In addition to his granddaughter, Mr. Stone is survived by his wife, Carole; three daughters, Robin and Debbie Stone and Jan Fryman; a son, Michael Merkow-Stone; and seven more grandchildren.
(Sources: NY Times, TMZ, People)
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