Ray Danton

Ray Danton
Ray Danton in trailer for "The George Raft Story" (1961)
Born	Raymond Caplan (1931-09-19)September 19, 1931 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	February 11, 1992(1992-02-11) (aged 60) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of death	Renal failure
Other names	Raymond Danton
Occupation	Actor, director, producer
Years active	1942-1992
Spouse(s)	Julie Adams (1955-1978; 2 children; divorced)
Partner(s)	Jeannie Austin (until 1992 (his death))
Children	Steve Danton Mitchell Danton

Ray Danton (September 19, 1931 – February 11, 1992), also known as Raymond Danton, was a radio, film, stage, and television actor, director, and producer whose most famous roles were in the screen biographies The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond (1960) and The George Raft Story (1962). He was married to actress Julie Adams from 1954 to 1981.

Danton was born Raymond Caplan in New York City, the son of Myrtle (née Menkin) and Jack Caplan. His family was Jewish, and he was a descendant of the Vilna Gaon.

Danton entered show business as a child radio actor on NBC radio's Let's Pretend show in 1943. Danton did many stage roles whilst attending the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Technical School and in 1950 went to London to appear on stage in the Tyrone Power production Mister Roberts.

Danton's acting career was put on hold when he served in the United States Army infantry during the Korean War from 1951–1954.

Danton made his film debut in Chief Crazy Horse in 1955 and became contracted to Universal Pictures His second film I'll Cry Tomorrow led to his typecasting as a smooth but dangerous villain. His third film for Universal The Looters was where he met his future wife Julie Adams. He was prolific in television work as well as film where he received the Golden Globe Award in 1956 for the new male star of the year in film.

Beginning with Onionhead Danton worked with both Warner Bros. film and Warner Bros. Television This led to his most famous role The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond where he played the eponymous gangster for director Budd Boetticher. Danton played his role using dynamic body language with his smooth persona fitting the character like a glove. Danton reprised the role in Vic Morrow's Portrait of a Mobster. Danton maintained his gangster persona with the title role in The George Raft Story, a screen biography of 1930s actor/dancer George Raft.