According to an in-depth article on Lanny in the Winter 2008-2009 issue of "Films of the Golden Age" by Ken Dennis, Lanny got blood poisoning after a blister on his foot from roller skating became infected. This happened during the shooting of his first-released picture, the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans western film Home in Oklahoma (1946).
Bedimpled child actor of the late '40s known for his crying on cue in post-WWII pictures.
Has four sons and a daughter by his first wife.
Joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and subsequently worked for North American Rocketdyne, a manufacturer of rocket engines, and General Dynamics Astronautics Division, which installed Atlas missiles. He was also a mechanic and shop foreman in later years.
Learned tap dancing as a child and entertained WWII troops at camp shows.
Second wife Natalie Monte was a one-time band vocalist. He met her while working at the Spokane Civic Theatre in Washington.
Spotted by an RKO talent agent while performing in his school's annual talent show in Los Angeles.
Youngest of eight children born to Arthur Edward Rees, a mechanic, and Mildred (Hooper) Rees.