Born in Brooklyn, NY; trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse, New York City. Leonard Frey originally wanted to become an artist, but in college he became interested in acting. He made his debuted in an off-Broadway production of Little Mary Sunshine and his film debut as a celebrant in FINNEGAN'S WAKE (1965), but first rose to prominence in the role of Harold, the self-proclaimed "Jew fairy," in the stage and screen versions of THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970). Frey is probably best known for the role of Motel, the timid tailor, in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (1971), although in the Broadway production he played Mendel, the Rabbi's son; this film performance landed him a nomination for a Supporting Actor Oscar®. He continued to work onstage, in the movies and on TV throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but he never again attained the level of critical success he enjoyed in FIDDLER. In 1988, Frey died from complications related to AIDS. Visit the Internet Movie Database for a full listing of Frey's film and TV credits.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1971: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 1 nomination