Royal Dano

About

Royal Edward Dano Sr. (November 16, 1922 – May 15, 1994) was an American actor whose career spanned 46 years. He is perhaps best known for playing cowboys, villains, and Abraham Lincoln. Dano also provided the voice of the Audio-Animatronic Lincoln for Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction at the 1964 New York World’s Fair (brought to Disneyland in 1965), as well as Lincoln’s voice at the “Hall of Presidents” attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 1971.

Dano was born in New York City on November 16, 1922, the eldest of three siblings born to Mary Josephine (née O’Connor), an Irish immigrant, and Caleb Edward Dano, a printer for newspapers. In World War II he entertained troops as a sergeant in the 44th Special Service Provisional Company.

Dano appeared as McSnoyd the leprechaun in the stage show Barnaby and Mr. O’Malley, based on the comic strip by Crockett Johnson. McSnoyd appears to the audience only as a blinking light on a large mushroom, so only his voice is heard. However, at the conclusion of the show Dano joined the rest of the cast, wearing a leprechaun costume.
Dano is remembered for his supporting roles in a number of 1950s…