Roy Jenson was born on February 9, 1927 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada as Roy Cameron Jenson. He is known for his work on Chinatown (1974), Soylent Green (1973) and Harper (1966). He was married to Marina Petrova and Barbara Ann Dionysius. He died on April 24, 2007 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Roy Jenson
Fun Facts
Played football for UCLA, then professionally for the Calgary Stampeders and the Montreal Alouettes.
Was the first man beaten up by Caine on Kung Fu (1972).
Doubled for Robert Mitchum.
First wife, Barbara Dionysius, was his college sweetheart. They had three children: Martin Jensen, Morgan Jensen and Sasha Jenson.
Met his second wife, European actress Marina Petrova (aka Marina Petrowa), while filming The Great Escape (1963) in Germany.
Had an affinity for the ocean--fishing, sailing, diving.
In addition to his second wife, three sons and brother, he was survived by seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Born in Calgary, Canada, but moved to Los Angeles with his mother and brother, George Jenson, at age 7 and attended South Gate High School.
Joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 during WWII and served on a destroyer in the Pacific.
A former UCLA football player, he earned a BA in geography at UCLA in 1951 before going on to play pro football in Canada.
While playing professional football in Canada (Calgary Stampeders, B.C. Lions), he was utilized as a stunt double for River of No Return (1954) starring Robert Mitchum. Moved to Hollywood thereafter to do stunt work and eventually took on a number of bit roles.
Was a Western All-Star in the Canadian Football League in 1954.
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).
He is sometimes confused with Robert Ridgely.
Quotes
[in 1987 interview] I really like playing the nasty heavies. And I've always enjoyed working and paying the bills. But as I get older, I wouldn't mind some roles where I can play a nice Daddy or Grandpa! After all, Hollywood is still a dream world.