Walter Greaza

Walter Noel Greaza (January 1, 1897 – June 1, 1973) was an American actor whose career spanned stage, film, television, and radio. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Albert Edward Greaza and Mary Elizabeth Frickelton, he studied business law and political science at the University of Minnesota, where he also trained with the university's drama organization. During World War I, Greaza served in the U.S. Navy. His surname was pronounced "Gree-zay."

Greaza's Broadway career extended from 1927 to 1960, encompassing more than two dozen productions. His earliest credit was Love in the Tropics in 1927, followed over the following decades by In Times Square and Enemy Within in 1931, We, The People in 1933, and three productions in 1934: But Not For Love, Judgment Day, and Wednesday's Child. He appeared in Ceiling Zero and If This Be Treason in 1935, and All Editions and Arrest That Woman in 1936. The year 1937 brought three more credits: To Quito and Back, Sea Legs, and Now You've Done It. He continued with Sunup to Sundown in 1938, The Red Velvet Goat in 1939, A New Life in 1943, and the comedy Wallflower and the drama The Visit in 1944. Temper the Wind and The Overtons both opened in 1946. He appeared in Auntie Mame in 1956 and closed his Broadway career with the comedy Roman Candle in 1960.

Beyond the stage, Greaza built a substantial screen and broadcast career. His film work, comprising eight pictures between 1946 and 1959, included 13 Rue Madeleine, Call Northside 777, The Street with No Name, New Mexico, and It Happened to Jane. On television he is best remembered for two long-running roles: the Chief on Treasury Men in Action from 1950 to 1955, and Winston Grimsley on the soap opera The Edge of Night, a part he held from 1956 until his death. Additional television appearances included The Philco Television Playhouse, Martin Kane Private Eye, Hallmark Hall of Fame, The Phil Silvers Show, The United States Steel Hour, and a final credit in an episode of The Defenders in 1965. In radio, Greaza starred as Steve Wilson in Big Town and took on recurring roles as Inspector Ross on Crime Doctor and Russ in Lora Lawton, with supporting work on The FBI in Peace and War.

Greaza was also active in the professional organizations of his industry. In 1942 he was appointed national administrative chairman of the American Guild of Variety Artists, and in 1943 he served as assistant executive secretary of Actors' Equity. From 1953 to 1956 he held the position of Shepherd, the equivalent of president, of The Lambs theatrical club. In 1948 he married Helene Ambrose; they remained married until her death in 1966. Greaza died on June 1, 1973, of cardiac arrest at Kew Gardens General Hospital.