Jerry Leggio, a seasoned character actor who opted to nurture the film industry in Louisiana instead of chasing fame elsewhere, passed away at his residence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on October 1, 2025. He had turned 90 just a week earlier, on September 23.
Leggio, born in Baton Rouge on September 23, 1935, completed his education at Baton Rouge High School in 1953 and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1957. His interest in theater blossomed post-college, eventually cementing his presence at what is now known as Theatre Baton Rouge.
Unlike many of his peers who moved to New York or Hollywood, Leggio decided to remain in Louisiana, focusing on establishing the state as a filming hub. In 1969, with a grant from the Gulf South Research Institute and support from John Wayne, he significantly contributed to the creation of what became “Hollywood South.”
Beyond his acting, Leggio made substantial contributions to Louisiana’s film industry. In 1965, he developed the film casting system for the Louisiana State Employment Service, now LaWORKS. This system’s success led to its adoption by about 20 other states. In 1969, he led a Louisiana State Science Foundation project, “Development of the Motion Picture Industry in Louisiana,” which gained national recognition and resulted in the formation of the Louisiana Film Commission.
In 1975, Leggio founded the National Cineposium, which evolved into the Association of Film Commissioners’ major conference. His dedication to advancing Louisiana’s film sector earned him the Anne Price Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Leggio’s career included a notable roster of film and television roles. He appeared in Louisiana-shot films such as “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” (1964), “Alvarez Kelly” (1966), “Sounder,” “Sister, Sister,” “The Badge,” and “American Violet.” He was also recognized for his roles in the television series “In the Heat of the Night,” where he appeared in two episodes.
More recently, Leggio was known for his work in Ryan Murphy’s productions, including “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” where he played Dr. Bonham, and “Scream Queens” in 2015, one of his last television roles. His television film appearances included “The Ernest Green Story,” “Ruffian,” “Mothman,” and the 1980 miniseries “Beulah Land.”
Leggio also had a distinguished stage career, performing roles like Sheriff Dodd in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” Stanley in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Colonel Jessup in “A Few Good Men,” Henry Drummond in “Inherit the Wind,” the King in “The King and I,” King Arthur in “Camelot,” and Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.”
His daughter, Felicia Leggio Braud, shared a story about her father’s time filming “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” with Bette Davis. After a lighting supervisor scolded Leggio for turning off a light, Davis halted production by taking a walk with him around the Houmas House grounds. Braud remembered Davis saying, “They won’t get on to you again, because this walk is costing them $10,000.”
Reports indicate Leggio had been dealing with a prolonged illness and entered hospice care in July 2025. His last film role was in 2022’s “Days of Daisy,” and his final stage appearance was in Theatre Baton Rouge’s 2022 production of “The Sly Fox.”
Leggio is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gloria; his brother, Dr. Louis Wayne Leggio; four children, Felicia, Mike, Darrell, and Charles; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry, and daughter-in-law, Johnnie.
Throughout their marriage, Gloria Leggio supported her husband’s endeavors by assisting with props and costumes at Theatre Baton Rouge, while Jerry took on leading roles.
