Louis Jean Heydt

Louis Jean Heydt (April 17, 1903 – January 29, 1960) was an American character actor in film, television and theatre, most frequently seen in hapless, ineffectual, or fall guy roles. Early life Heydt was born in 1903 (not 1905, as many sources have miscited) in Montclair, New Jersey, the son of German parents George Frederick Heydt, a jeweler and the secretary and executor for Louis Comfort Tiffany, and the former Emma Foerster. He was educated at Montclair High School, Worcester Academy, and Dartmouth College, graduating from the latter in 1926. He initially wanted to be a journalist and worked as a reporter for The New York World. Career Stage Heydt received his start in the theatre while visiting a classmate backstage while The Trial of Mary Dugan was in rehearsal. As an actual reporter, he caught the attention of the producers and was offered the role of a reporter in the play. He made his stage debut therein and went on to appear in a dozen plays, including Strictly Dishonorable, Before Morning and Happy Birthday. He also played in the London company of The Trial of Mary Dugan as the male lead, replacing the deceased Rex Cherryman.