Jerry Leggio, an experienced character actor known for his dedication to developing Louisiana as a filming location instead of seeking fame elsewhere, passed away at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on October 1, 2025. He had just turned 90 on September 23.
Leggio was born in Baton Rouge on September 23, 1935. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1953 and completed his education at Louisiana State University in 1957. It was after his college years that he discovered a passion for theater, becoming a prominent figure at Theatre Baton Rouge.
Unlike many of his peers who moved to New York or Hollywood, Leggio chose to remain in Louisiana, contributing significantly to the state’s reputation as a filming hub. In 1969, aided by a grant from the Gulf South Research Institute and support from John Wayne, he played a crucial role in establishing “Hollywood South.”
Leggio’s influence extended beyond his acting. In 1965, he developed the film casting system for the Louisiana State Employment Service, now LaWORKS. This system was adopted by around 20 other states due to its success. In 1969, he led a Louisiana State Science Foundation project titled “Development of the Motion Picture Industry in Louisiana,” which received national attention and led to the creation of the Louisiana Film Commission.
In 1975, Leggio founded the National Cineposium, which later became the Association of Film Commissioners’ main conference. His lifelong dedication to the film industry in Louisiana earned him the Anne Price Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Throughout his career, Leggio built an extensive portfolio of film and television credits. His work included appearances in movies filmed in Louisiana such as “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” in 1964, “Alvarez Kelly” in 1966, “Sounder,” “Sister, Sister,” “The Badge,” and “American Violet.” He was also recognized for his roles in “In the Heat of the Night,” appearing in two episodes.
More recently, Leggio was known for his roles in Ryan Murphy’s projects, including “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” where he played Dr. Bonham, and “Scream Queens” in 2015, one of his last television roles. He also appeared in TV films such as “The Ernest Green Story,” “Ruffian,” and “Mothman,” as well as the 1980 miniseries “Beulah Land.”
On stage, Leggio’s career was just as distinguished, with notable performances as 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 notable story about her father’s experience working on “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” with Bette Davis. When a lighting supervisor criticized Leggio for turning off a light, Davis intervened by taking him for a walk around the Houmas House grounds, halting production. Braud recounted Davis telling her father, “They won’t get on to you again, because this walk is costing them $10,000.”
Reports indicate that Leggio had been dealing with a long illness and entered hospice care in July 2025. His final film appearance was in “Days of Daisy” in 2022, and his last stage role was in Theatre Baton Rouge’s 2022 production of “The Sly Fox.”
Leggio leaves behind 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 predeceased by his son, Jerry, and his daughter-in-law, Johnnie.
Throughout their marriage, Gloria Leggio supported her husband’s career by assisting behind the scenes with props and costumes at Theatre Baton Rouge, while Jerry took on leading roles on stage.
