Leo E. Gaudreau, 94, AKA Lee Allen passed away on September 23, 2018 after a short illness at Novant Hospital in Charlotte, NC. He was born to the late Jean Baptiste and Marie Louise (Arsenault) Gaudreau in Fall River, MA on June 24, 1924.
Lee was preceded in death by his wife Olivia Aycoth, AKA Libby Dean; granddaughter Cindy Kim Robinson. He is survived by sisters Rose Viveiros and Jeanne Ouellette; brother Roger Gaudreau; son Michael Simcock; great grandchildren Joshua Robinson, Lindsey Cabral; great greatgrandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Lee entered the world of entertainment at the age of 14 dancing on street corners, performing in local establishments, wedding showers and talent shows such as Major Bowles Talent Show and Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour. At the age of 15, Lee and a friend, also known as the Kelley Brothers moved to New York City to find fame and fortune.
During WWII, Leo joined the Navy and served on the submarine USS Carbonero as an Electrician’s Mate. After the war Leo returned to his love of performing. Lee and his two friends created a trio called The Playmates and performed locally and over New England traveling in a small trailer. Lee then broke in his comedy dancing act at Atlantic City’s 500 Club. On his second night during his big finish Lee took a serious spill when he danced on roller skates atop a table which hospitalized him for six months. Lee was told by doctors that he would never dance again. Lee gradually restored himself and started performing even the most strenuous eccentric hoofing to his act. He was a headliner at The Copacabana, Catskill Circuit Hotels, TV guest spots on the Ed Sullivan Show, Gary Moore, The Tonight Show and the Hollywood Palace show with Groucho Marx. Lee became known as “Mr. Organized Confusion” for his many talents including a comedian, dancer, singer and actor.
Lee’s accolades include performances in many well-known nightclubs up and down the East Coast from Florida to Bermuda and Canada. He also had many on and off Broadway shows including House of Blue Leaves, Marathon 33 with Julie Harris, Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand also Funny Girl the movie in 1968. The show toured England for 18 months. He continued his busy performing career into his 70’s.
Visitation will take place at McEwen Funeral Service on Sunday, September 30, 2018 beginning at 12pm. Funeral service will follow at 2pm. Interment will take place at Sharon Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the care of McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park.
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