Leon Berry Stevens

Leon Berry Stevens passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Life Care Center of America in Oro Valley. He was 89 years old. An active member of Actors' Equity, SAG, and AFTRA, Leon was an actor, director and producer for over 60 years. He came to Broadway as Matthew Brady in Inherit the Wind opposite Melvyn Douglas. He had dozens of episodic television roles to his credit. On film, he most notably appeared opposite Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8. Leon helped found the professional theater company at Penn State University and it was there he met his beloved wife, Lydia Bruce, a much celebrated actor in her own right. Together they created a rich life filled with art, travel, and mutual respect. They were frequent acting partners and inseparable life partners until Lydia's passing in 2008. Many thanks to long time care-giver Lupe, the nursing and care staff at Life Care Center on La Cholla Blvd., Casa de la Luz Hospice - especially Erika, Karen, Christine and Patti, and to Don Cline of the Neptune Society. Leon's ashes, intermingled with those of his wife Lydia, will be interred next to his beloved son Leon III, in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Hampshire.