Leon Ames was born Harry Leon Wycoff on January 20, 1902 in Portland, Indiana to Charles Elmer Wycoff and Cora Alice (DeMoss) Wycoff. Some sources list his original last name as Wykoff or Waycoff, and in his early … See more

Ames' involvement with entertainment began when he worked as a stage manager for the Charles K. Champlin Theatre Company. He ventured into acting with the group and progressed to the lead in a production of Tomorrow and Tomorrow in Los … See more

Ames' first radio broadcast was in January 1942 on Grand Central Station.
His television roles included leads in the adaptations of Life with Father (1953–55) and Father of the Bride (1961–62). His role in Father of the Bride was soon increased because he had … See more

On February 12, 1964, Ames and his wife were held hostage in their home as an intruder demanded $50,000 before he would free them. Ames called his business partner, who … See more

Ames made his film debut in Quick Millions in 1931. During the 1940s, he was under contract to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Among his important roles at MGM was his portrayal of Mr. … See more

Ames was a founder of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933, and he served as its president in 1957. During the 1960s, Ames owned several Ford dealerships in California. See more

Ames was the father of Robert Fletcher, who was left with his mother when she and Ames split up in 1923.
Ames wed actress Christine Gossett in 1938. The couple … See more