Trivia - Leigh McCloskey His TV & Film Career

When I first considered inviting actor, artist, and author Leigh McCloskey to be a guest on HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED, it was because I was a MASSIVE fan of the iconic 1980s primetime soap opera “Dallas”. I absolutely loved his portrayal of Mitch Cooper—Lucy Ewing’s principled, financially challenged husband who wasn’t the least bit impressed by the Ewing millions.

But as I dug deeper into his life and career, I discovered that Leigh McCloskey is SO much more than Mitch. In fact, his talents and passions extend far beyond the screen.

To celebrate my unforgettable interview with Leigh, I’ve put together a fun and fascinating list of trivia that showcases his remarkable journey—from his extensive TV and film work to his incredible life as an author, visionary artist, and visual philosopher. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse into his passion for the arts in all forms, making him a true creative force.

So, put your Leigh McCloskey knowledge to the test, take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and rediscover why this talented, handsome, and artistic guru is so much more than the self-righteous hunk he played on “Dallas”! Enjoy!

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Kelsey Grammer star of the TV series “Frasier” was Leigh’s roommate and Julliard classmate in New York City during the mid-1970s.

Leigh began his professional acting career playing Donald Ralston, the boyfriend of Bess Lindstrom (Lisa Gerritsen), on the hit sitcom "Phyllis" (1975) starring Academy Award winner Cloris Leachman. Because of his performance in that show he was offered the party of Billy Abbott in the original miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man" (1976).

“Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway” was his film debut.

A sequel, “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn” (1977), focuses on Dawn's friend and fellow runaway, Alexander Duvall (Leigh McCloskey). Plumb reprised her role as Dawn for the sequel. Both movies were made for NBC TV movies.

Many people feel that “Alexander: The Other Side Of Dawn” (1977) is a gay movie, since Alexander has relations with both genders.

He went on to star in three nighttime television series: “Executive Suite”, “Married: The First Year,” and performed the role of Mitch Cooper (husband of Lucy Ewing Cooper) on the CBS nighttime soap opera “Dallas”. McCloskey was a series regular from 1980 to 1982, and made brief appearances in 1985 and 1988.

He was given the lead role in the Italian horror film “Inferno” (1980) after the director's original choice of James Woods proved to be unavailable.

When filming Dario Argento’s “Inferno” (1980) star Leigh McCloskey's stunt double broke his leg, McCloskey himself had to perform the stunt work for the film's explosive finale. In interviews, McCloskey said it was an intense experience as the rest of the crew and equipment were protected by multiple layers of Plexiglas while he had to run without protection through sets rigged to explode and burn. McCloskey said "When you feel glass flying by you like a Harrier jet, you never forget it!".

According to Leigh McCloskey, Dario Argento's brother Claudio Argento spoke better English than Dario so often he would have to translate Dario's direction to the cast of “Inferno”.

One of two teenpic comedies that actor Leigh starred in that were first released in the year of 1985. They were 'Fraternity Vacation' (1985) and 'Just One of the Guys' (1985).

According to the 30 year cast reunion of “Just One of The Guys” (1985), Leigh McCloskey (Kevin) was not the original "college boyfriend." Actor Alex McCarthy was cast, but when he did chemistry tests with Joyce Hyser (Terry) the casting director and the director did not like them together, citing their interactions were "too dark" and they weren't believable as a couple. Alex McCarthy would go on to play the love interest in Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" music video the following year.

Leigh and Chuck McCann co-starred together in both “Hamburger The Motion Picture” (1986) and “Cameron's Closet” (1988).

He has also appeared in a number of daytime soap operas, including “Santa Barbara”, “General Hospital”, “The Young and the Restless” and “One Life to Live”.

Best remembered by the public for his role as Mitch Cooper on the CBS soap opera “Dallas” (1978). Mitch Cooper was Lucy Ewing's love interest who was not impressed with the Ewing family money.

While working on “Dallas”, McCloskey found himself dissatisfied with mainstream success and began exploring painting and writing as a means of creative fulfillment.

He appeared with Trisha Noble in episodes of two dissimilar series: “Executive Suite” (1976) and “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” (1979). Has also appeared with Chuck McCann in two dissimilar movies: “Hamburger: The Motion Picture” (1986) and “Cameron's Closet” (1988).

He has played villains on four sci-fi television series: “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Star Trek: Voyager”, as well as “Babylon 5” (2 parts) and “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” with Dorothy Stratten.

Has also played unrelated characters on three dissimilar series: “The Love Boat” (1977), “Hotel” (1983) and “Santa Barbara” (1984).

Leigh McCloskey is also an author, visionary artist and visual philosopher.

In November 2018, McCloskey's home in Malibu, California was threatened during the Woolsey Fire. With the help of his good friend A Martinez, he was able to keep his home safe from destruction by the wildfire.

Has published six books: Tarot Revisioned Books & Cards (2003), In the Splendor (2004), Adam Reborn & Eve Restored: A Romance in Two Parts (2005), Codex Tor - Volume 1: Winter Solstice (2007), Codex Tor - Volume 2: Summer Solstice (2008), and Codex Tor - Volume 3: Equinox - Mysterious Magnum (2008).

Leigh and his wife Carla host public events at their home including workshops, film screenings, and internationally recognized speakers. During these events, McCloskey gives personal tours of The Hieroglyph of the Human Soul painted on the walls of his home library.

For 40 years, he and his wife Carla hosted weekly discussion groups at their home, with themes ranging from Theosophy to Jungian philosophy. His work as a visual artist explores religion, mythology, esotericism and human consciousness, and reflects his deep study of Hermeticism, Alchemy and Kabbalah.

Imagery from McCloskey’s Grimoire (itself an unused prop from the E. Elias Merhige horror film “Shadow of the Vampire”) was prominently featured on The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang Tour in the 2000s

Some facts are taken from IMDB & Wikipedia.

Don’t miss listening to my fascinating interview with the amazing Leigh McCloskey in the latest two episodes of Hollywood Obsessed podcast! Where you get exclusive insights and stories you won’t find anywhere else!

Click the links below to listen now and be inspired!

Episode 111 - HERE

Episode 112 - HERE