Dennis Cleveland Stewart Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Mother, Cause of Death, Films

Dennis Cleveland Stewart was an American actor and dancer who gained recognition for his portrayal of Leo “Craterface” Balmudo, the leader of the Scorpions gang, in the 1978 musical film “Grease.”

His distinctive appearance and compelling performance made him a memorable character in the film.

Stewart reprised this role in the 1982 sequel, “Grease 2,” further cementing his association with the franchise.

Beyond his work in the “Grease” series, Stewart showcased his dancing skills in various productions, including a notable appearance in “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1978).

Profile

• Full name: Dennis Cleveland Stewart
• Date of birth: July 29, 1947
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
• State of origin: California
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor, Dancer
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Mother: Evelyn Mae Stewart
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: N/A
• Net worth: $1-5 million

Early Life and Education

Dennis Cleveland Stewart was born on July 29, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. Specific details about his early life, including information about his father, siblings, and educational background, are not publicly documented.

His mother, Evelyn Mae Stewart, played a role in his upbringing in Los Angeles. Information regarding the schools he attended, his graduation year, and his field of study remains unavailable.

Personal Life

Stewart maintained a private personal life, and specific details about his romantic relationships or marital status are not publicly documented. He was openly homosexual during a period when such openness was less common in the entertainment industry.

Career

Dennis Cleveland Stewart’s acting career began in the late 1970s, with his most notable role being Leo “Craterface” Balmudo in the 1978 film “Grease.” This character, as the leader of the rival gang opposing the protagonists, became iconic due to Stewart’s portrayal. He reprised this role in “Grease 2” (1982), continuing his association with the character.

In addition to his work in the “Grease” films, Stewart appeared as a dancer in “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1978), where he was prominently featured in the “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” scene alongside Steve Martin. His television appearances included roles in series such as “CHiPs” (1981), “The Greatest American Hero” (1983), “Moonlighting” (1985), and “MacGyver” (1986).

Net Worth

Dennis Cleveland Stewart’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His income was primarily derived from his work as an actor and dancer in film and television during the late 1970s and 1980s.

Death

Dennis Cleveland Stewart passed away on April 20, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 46. He died from pneumonia as a complication of AIDS. His ashes were scattered at sea.

Controversy

Dennis Cleveland Stewart managed to maintain a career relatively free from public controversy. However, his life was not without its challenges, particularly concerning his health and the societal attitudes of his time.

Being openly homosexual in the entertainment industry during the 1970s and 1980s presented particular challenges, as the industry and society were less accepting than they are today.

Despite these challenges, Stewart continued to work in film and television, securing roles that showcased his talents as both an actor and dancer.

In 1993, Stewart was diagnosed with HIV, a time when the disease was heavily stigmatized, and treatments were limited. The following year, he succumbed to pneumonia, a complication related to AIDS, on April 20, 1994.

Social Media

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Filmography

• Grease (1978) as Leo “Craterface” Balmudo
• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) as Dancer
• Elvis (1979) as Dancer
• Zoot Suit (1981) as Swabbie
• Grease 2 (1982) as Balmudo
• D.C. Cab (1983) as Ski Mask Hoodlum
• Police Story: Cop Killer (1988) as Ronnie Sample
• Cop (1988) as Lawrence “Birdman” Henderson
• Fatal Charm (1990) as Moody