Henry Leff, a renowned radio, television, and film actor, held the esteemed position of Head of the Broadcasting Department at City College of San Francisco for an impressive 35 years. His remarkable career came to a close on August 12, 2007, at the age of 88.
During his early years, Leff portrayed the lovable character "Lieutenant Mallard" on the NBC West Coast radio show "Candy Matson, YUkon 2-9209" from 1949 to 1951. Internationally, he lent his voice to Radio Free Asia, broadcasting from the historic NBC studios in San Francisco.
In the early 1960s, Leff made a significant impact on television, taking on the roles of Karl Marx and Josef Stalin in KQED's groundbreaking series "The Red Myth." He was also a founding officer of KQED and appeared in numerous television programs, including "Love on A Rooftop," "Lineup," "Follow the Sun," "Criminal Man," and "The Three Musketeers." Furthermore, he showcased his versatility by starring in commercials for Nabisco Chips Ahoy cookies, Busch Bavarian Beer, and Kraft Dressing.
In 1948, Leff pioneered the creation of the Broadcasting Department at San Francisco City College, overseeing its expansion from radio to television. He was also a pioneer in the distribution of video lessons directly into the classroom, revolutionizing the way students learned.
Throughout his illustrious career, Leff played a significant role in launching the careers of hundreds of students, including notable Bay Area radio legends Carter B. Smith and Stan Burford, former Miss America Leigh Ann Meriwether, and actress Barbara Eden.
Born in Brooklyn, Leff attended Brooklyn College and earned a Master's Degree in Theater from Cornell University in 1939. He married Sylvia in 1942, who acted under the stage name "Bobbie Lyons."
