Royal Edward Dano Jr was an American actor who appeared in many films and television shows, often playing cowboys, villains, and Abraham Lincoln. He was also the voice of Lincoln for Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction and the Hall of Presidents attraction. He died at the age of 47 in 1994, following a car accident and a heart attack. What was the cause of his death and what were the circumstances surrounding it? Here is a brief overview of his life and death.
Early Life and Career
Royal Edward Dano Jr was born on September 19, 1946 in New York City, the son of Royal Edward Dano Sr, also an actor, and Peggy Ranck. He had one brother, Rick Dano, who became a musician. Royal Jr served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1967 as a Fireman Apprentice. He then followed his father’s footsteps and pursued an acting career.
He made his film debut in 1971 in The Abductors, a crime thriller. He went on to appear in many movies, such as The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), The Right Stuff (1983), Ghoulies II (1987), Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988), and The Dark Half (1993). He also had roles in several television shows, such as Gunsmoke, Kojak, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, The A-Team, and Twin Peaks.
He was known for his versatility and his ability to play different characters, often with a distinctive voice and mannerism. He was especially praised for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, which he did several times in different media. He was the voice of Lincoln for Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction, which debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair and was later moved to Disneyland in 1965. He also voiced Lincoln for the Hall of Presidents attraction at Magic Kingdom in Florida in 1971. He played Lincoln on screen in the miniseries How the West Was Won (1978) and The Blue and the Gray (1982).
Death and Legacy
On February 25, 1994, Royal Edward Dano Jr was involved in a car accident in Santa Monica, California. He suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital. He died of a heart attack later that day, according to newlove-makeup.com. He was buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery with military honors.
He was survived by his father, his brother, his ex-wife Audrey Dano, and his two sons, Royal Edward Dano III and Hutch Dano. Hutch Dano followed his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps and became an actor as well. He starred in the Disney Channel series Zeke and Luther (2009-2012) and Zombeavers (2014).
Royal Edward Dano Jr left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a distinctive voice that brought Abraham Lincoln to life for millions of people. He was a versatile actor who could play any role with conviction and charisma. He was admired by his peers and fans alike for his talent and professionalism. His death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and his family.
