Leonell McCann

Leonell McCann an American actress was born in Maywood California to Leon and Maxine Graves. Her father was a dear friend to Bela Lugosi and in 1959, her mother also and actress, worked with director William Wyler in the movie Ben Hur. Her parents divorced when Leonell was two years old. After her mother passed away from Lupus, Leonell moved to Los Angeles California with her two sisters. At age 16, Leonell, bitten by the acting bug, involved herself in the theatre where she developed a passion for performing. Later she studied theatre arts at San Diego State University and the University of Hawaii. While working as a program assistant for the Aztec Hall in Hawaii, Leonell was offered a position as the mistress of ceremony, announcing before the artist performances. A scout in the audience noticed and selected her to audition for a major production company leading to a commercial that aired on Japanese TV. Leonell put her studies on hold to pursue opportunities in Japan and was immediately signed to a Japanese talent agency. Leonell, was also, sought after for her exotic looks as she graced the cover of many Japanese magazines as well as appearing in Japanese TV commercials. Three months after her arrival her Japanese agency/management sent calling cards out introducing her to agencies in Milan and Germany. Los Angeles was where her friend singer/song writer Dave Mason introduced her to agent Hal Ray of the William Morris Agency. She went on to star in Roger Corman films and assisted in the creation/designing for Spike Lee's movie 'Do The Right Thing', and Steven Spielberg's 'The Color Purple.' Leonell married David Dewitt McCann who was the senior VP of post production for Disney motion pictures/films for over twenty five years. David D. McCann passed in 2013. After her husbands transition, Leonell halted her career to focus on her husbands affairs and his legacy. Now, Leonell McCann has returned to acting continuing her passion and love for the arts.