Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume Two, 1986-1990, pages 115-116. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1999.
Dancer, best known as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Great-uncle of actor John Bolger.
He was always closely identified with the Scarecrow. He once guest starred on the show 'Password.' When the word "Ray" came up, he said to his partner "Me!" His partner readily answered "Scarecrow!"
Interred at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California, USA, in the Mausoleum, Crypt F2, Block 35.
Made his first Broadway stage appearance in 1926.
Was the last surviving star of The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Won Broadway's 1949 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for "Where's Charley?," a part he recreated in the film version, Where's Charley? (1952). He was also nominated in the same Tony category in 1962 for "All American.".
Won the 1948-49 Tony Award, as well as two Donaldson Awards. In 1980, he was elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame.