Long-time Leon Vitali, a partner, and collaborator of Stanley Kubrick died on Friday, August 19, at the age of 74, in Los Angeles. His family confirmed his death to the Associated Press. At the time of his death, the actor was accompanied by his three children, Masha, Max, and Vera. While the family did not identify the reason for death, Vitali died softly, according to the family.
Masha Vitali delivered the following statement to the Associated Press upon his death:
“Leon was a great and delightful guy who, spurred by his curiosity, offered love and warmth everywhere he went.” He will be remembered affectionately and deeply by the many people he touched.”
Everything about Leon Vitali
Leon Vitali was a well-known English actor who appeared in Stanley Kubrick films such as Barry Lyndon in 1977 and Eyes Wide Shut in 1999. He also assisted Kubrick on other films, including The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and Eyes Wide Shut.
Leon Vitali has long been considered Stanley Kubrick’s right-hand man. They met in 1974, possibly while filming Barry Lyndon (in which Vitali portrayed Lord Bullingdon).
Following their initial collaboration, Vitali is claimed to have built a relationship with Kubrick and was later asked to join the famed director for his adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining. Throughout the production, Vitali assisted Kubrick.
Later, in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, Vitali served as casting director as well as Kubrick’s assistant. Vitali was the casting director and Kubrick’s assistant again in his final film, 1990’s Eyes Wide Shut, where he played Red Cloak once more.
In the film, a newspaper prop also acted as an Easter egg for Vitali. Vitali is referred to as “fashion designer Leon Vitali” in a newspaper article read by Tom Cruise’s character, Dr. William Harford.
According to Tony Zierra’s 2017 documentary Vitali, Filmworker, the English actor oversaw Stanley Kubrick’s film restoration following his death. According to the documentary, Vitali prioritized his role as Kubrick’s personal aide over his acting career.
According to the Associated Press:
“On one occasion, Vitali even set up a video monitor so Kubrick could keep an eye on his dying pet.”
Leon Vitali’s debut in the industry
The late 74-year-old attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and worked in film from 1970 until 2018. Leon Vitali had been in a few one-off TV shows in the early 1970s before getting cast in The Fenn Street Gang in 1971. He portrayed Peter Craven in 16 episodes.
Two years after his first collaboration with Stanley Kubrick, Vitali played Victor Frankenstein in the renowned 1977 film Terror of Frankenstein.
While working on the film, Vitali met his future wife, costume designer Kersti Vitali (née Gustafsson). They have three children. While not proven, Kersti’s IMDb biography says that the two divorced at some point.
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