Francis L. Urry
Francis L. Urry (January 23, 1908 – May 6, 1985) was a Utah-based prominent radio, stage, and film actor. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is best known for his work in the films Johnny Lingo, Uncle Ben, and The Windows of Heaven. He was also the male narrator of the Mormon Miracle Pageant.[1]
Francis L. Urry | |
---|---|
Born | January 23, 1908 |
Died | May 6, 1985 77) | (aged
Occupation(s) | Stage, film actor |
Biography
Born in Salt Lake City, Urry was the son of Herbert Henry and Jane Elizabeth Maxwell Urry.[2]
In 1929, Urry began working with the Salt Lake City Civic Opera, and in 1936 he joined the staff of radio station KSL in Salt Lake City, Utah.[2] Urry began his performing career as a private teacher in 1937. He worked for several years for CBS radio[3] before returning to his birthplace and working for KSL.[4] In 1943, he joined the staff of KUTA radio.[5] He eventually began working on network television and radio, in addition to work in live theater. Instead of relocating to New York or Los Angeles, Urry chose to base his career out of Utah because he wanted to raise his family there.[6] Much of his work involved films produced by Brigham Young University.[4] Urry's most visible role is probably that of the small store owner on a Polynesian island in the film Johnny Lingo. He also played the role of Lorenzo Snow in The Windows of Heaven.
Urry taught speech at McCune School for Music and Art in addition to teaching drama privately.[2]
On November 11, 1936, Urry married Virginia Carroll.[2]
References
- "History: Mormon Miracle Pageant". Archived from the original on February 20, 2007. Retrieved March 1, 2007.
- "Francis L. Urry, 77, Dies; Noted for Acting Career". The Salt Lake Tribune. Utah, Salt Lake City. May 7, 1985. p. 26. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
- "Francis Urry Collection". University of Utah. Archived from the original on September 22, 2006. Retrieved March 1, 2007.
- "Francis Urry". LDS Film Biographies. Archived from the original on July 1, 2002. Retrieved March 1, 2007.
- "Popular Salt Lake Artis Joins Staff of KUTA". The Salt Lake Tribune. Utah, Salt Lake City. July 18, 1943. p. 24. Retrieved January 28, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- Francis L. Urry at IMDb