Lionel Stander

Lionel Stander was a gravelly-voiced character actor who began his career in the late 1920s. He worked in theatre, movies, radio and television, playing various roles during his long career.

Mr. Stander was blacklisted in the early 1950s, a result of testimony he gave to the HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) which was investigating subversive political activities in the entertainment industry. He continued to work in movies but mainly in Europe, where he lived for many years during his blacklisted years in the U.S.

In 1979, Mr. Stander secured the role of 'Max' the chauffeur on the tv series "Hart to Hart", which starred Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as a wealthy married couple who enjoyed being amateur detectives.

In 1982, I sent two photos to Mr. Stander, which can be seen here and here. It took about a month for him to return them.