Roy Leonard
|
January 19, 1931 – September 4, 2014
Leonard was one of Chicago’s most trusted and influential critics of the arts from 1967, when he first joined WGN AM 720 after more than ten years on the air in Boston, until he chose to sign off in 1998. For actors, authors, musicians and celebrities of any prominence, an interview on his show was a highlight of their media rounds. Best known for his long run as midday personality on the news/talk station, Leonard held various weekday shifts until 1995, when he cut back to weekends. Even then, his ratings remained as solid as ever. Leonard also hosted “Family Classics” on WGN-Channel 9, succeeding the late Frazier Thomas on the venerable Sunday afternoon movie series in 1985. He was a member of WGN Radio’s Walk of Fame. Beloved husband of the late Sheila (nee) Finn Leonard. Loving father of Kip Leonard, Kerry Leonard (Diane), Kolin Leonard (late Carole), Kent Leonard (Susan), Kyle Leonard (Cindy), and Kelly Leonard (Anne). Proud grandfather of Victoria, Grace, Erin, Ross, Nicholas, Ryan, Dylan, Eleanor Leonard, Lynette Tenuta (Mario) Alexandra and Angelina, Celeste Dragosh (Joe) Nikki. |