Dennis Cleveland Stewart Biography

(Actor)

Birthday: July 29, 1947 (Leo)

Born In: Los Angeles, California

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Dennis Cleveland Stewart was an American actor and dancer. He is best remembered for his portrayal of ‘Leo “Craterface” Balmudo’ in the American romantic comedy Grease. ‘Craterface’ was the opponent of the character played by renowned actor John Travolta. Stewart reprised the role in the sequel, Grease 2. Being a good dancer helped Stewart get roles that required dance skills. He performed in a cameo role of a dancer in the musical comedy Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. He appeared as a dance instructor in the TV series Angie. Dennis Cleveland Stewart made small appearances in TV movies such as Elvis and Police Story: Cop Killer. He was also seen in single-episode roles in TV series such as The Greatest American Hero, Misfits of Science, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Stewart did not have a highly successful career. In his last days, he contracted AIDS. The TV series Parker Lewis Can’t Lose marked his final screen appearance. He contracted pneumonia as a result of AIDS and died prematurely at the age of 46. His ashes were scattered in the sea.

Quick Facts

Died At Age: 46

Born Country: United States

Actors Dancers

Died on: April 20, 1994

U.S. State: California

City: Los Angeles

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American CelebritiesAmerican MenCalifornia ActorsLeo ActorsAmerican Actors Childhood & Early LifeDennis Cleveland Stewart was born on July 29, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. There is not much information available about his parents, childhood, or educational qualification. Stewart was a talented dancer, which helped him in his career.Continue Reading BelowRecommended Lists:American DancersAmerican Film & Theater PersonalitiesLeo MenCareer

In 1977, Dennis Cleveland Stewart made his acting debut with an uncredited appearance, as a fisherman, in the movie Pete’s Dragon. The same year, he appeared as ‘Starkey’ in the TV series CHiPs. It was a crime drama and featured Stewart in the episode Undertow.

In 1978, he earned a career-defining role. He was chosen to portray ‘Leo “Craterface” Balmudo’ in the American musical romantic comedy Grease. The movie had John Travolta playing the lead role. Stewart performed as the leader of the ‘Scorpion’ gang, which was a major hostile gang in the movie. As the movie was a huge success, Stewart was also noticed.

In 1978, Stewart performed as a dancer in the movie Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. In 1979, he made a small appearance in the TV movie Elvis. It was first aired on ABC.

In 1980, he performed as a dance instructor in an episode of the American sitcom Angie, titled Theresa’s Gigolo. In 1981, he performed as ‘Swabbie’ in the movie Zoot Suit. It was a film adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name.

In 1982, Dennis Cleveland Stewart was chosen for the movie Grease 2. It was a sequel to the movie Grease. The movie had Stewart reprising his original character, ‘Leo “Craterface” Balmudo. The movie was not too successful. In 1983, Stewart appeared as ‘Ski Mask Hoodlum’ in the comedy D.C. Cab.

In 1985, Stewart made small appearances in several TV series, such as Trapper John M.D., Moonlighting, Hunter, and Misfits of Science. In 1986, he appeared as a thief in an episode of the TV sitcom Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The same year, he appeared in an episode of the American adventure series The A-Team, titled Waiting for Insane Wayne.

In 1988, Dennis Cleveland Stewart played ‘Ronnie Sample’ in the TV movie Police Story: Cop Killer. The same year, he performed as ‘Lawrence “Birdman” Henderson’ in the crime drama Cop.

In 1989, he appeared in an episode of the TV series Jesse Hawkes. In 1991, Stewart performed in two episodes of the TV series Parker Lewis Can’t Lose’ It was aired on ‘Fox.’ This was Stewart’s last performance in any series or movie.

Family & Personal LifeDennis Cleveland Stewart is believed to have been gay. There is no public information available about his marriage. In 1993, Stewart contracted AIDS. In 1994, he developed pneumonia as a result of the complications due to AIDS. On April 20, 1994, Stewart breathed his last. He was 46 years old at the time of his death. His body was cremated, and the ashes were scattered in the sea.Trivia

There are many people who believe that the movie Grease was cursed. Several stars who were associated with the movie suffered personal tragedies. Some of them were Jeff Conaway, Olivia Newton John, and John Travolta. People related the untimely death of Dennis Cleveland Stewart, too, to this curse.