Legendary actor dead at age 89

LAURENS POTTER MOORE Few things are guaranteed in life, but according to those who had the opportunity to watch or perform with Gaffney's Laurens Potter Moore, it was a sure bet you would be entertained.

"There was so much you could learn from him," said Phil Gibbons of the Gaffney Little Theatre. "He was quite an actor and performer, and you could see that on stage."

One of the last remaining actors of a bygone era, Moore passed away Monday in Spartanburg at the age of 89.

During a career that spanned more than 60 years, he made a living on Broadway and in radio, movies and television, being part of its "Golden Age" when shows were done live, many from New York City.

"At a young age he went into acting," said Tedi Gibbons, a longtime friend. "He became quite an actor in New York and Hollywood, doing a little bit of everything."

Moore's most notable roles include working with Dino DeLaurentis in "Silver Bullet," playing Emory Slade in "North by Northwest" starring Cary Grant and directed by Alfred Hitchcock and headlining on Broadway in "Death of a Salesman," "Our Town" and more than 100 other plays. His credits also include a number of commercials over the years, including spots for Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Timex, Alka-Seltzer and Buick.

Moore made no secret that his first love was being on stage, liking the sense of immediacy and attention that are part of being in front of a live audience.

His wife, Mary, also had a similar passion for acting.

"She was his stage manager while they were in New York. He'd tell me all the time she was the best one he ever had," Tedi Gibbons said. "We used to joke that they were two people living in one body. They were almost inseparable for the more than 60 years they were together."

Shortly after returning to Gaffney in 1965, the couple was instrumental in the development of a theatre program at Limestone College. During the nine years they were with the school, at least 17 theatre majors passed through the program, in addition to the couple forming an improvisation team.

However, Moore's biggest contribution might have been to the Gaffney Little Theatre, where he not only sharpened his craft but that of others as well.

"Anything about theater around here begins with 'Lonnie' Moore," Tedi Gibbons said. "He helped a great deal, and we're proud of him."

Two photos of the local acting legend are on display at the theatre located on Robinson Street. Moore also donated a piano to the theater. It was one he had given his wife as a wedding gift in 1941. The item will have a place in the Gaffney Little Theatre's history collection if and when the theater moves.

"There will always be a piece of 'Lonnie' here in the Little Theatre," Tedi Gibbons said.

Moore is survived by his son Robert Laurens Moore, and wife Patricia, of Northport, Ala.; and a daughter, Eloise Moore Dickson and husband W.R. Lambert, of Spartanburg.

The complete obituary appears on Page 8.