Leslie F. Goodman: How Did John Goodman’s Father Die?

Who Was John Goodman’s Father, Leslie F. Goodman?

Leslie F. Goodman is the late father of John Stephen Goodman. Leslie F. Goodman’s son John Goodman is known for his work as an actor. He has gained recognition for his roles in film, television, and theatre. He rose to prominence in television before becoming an acclaimed and popular film actor. He has also done voice work in several Disney & Pixar films, including the Sulley in Monsters, Inc. (2001).

Leslie F. Goodman: Bio Summary

In Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, United States, Leslie Francis Goodman was born on 17 March 1917. His father’s name was Francis Marion Goodman and his mother’s name was Lillie Harrison Goodman. He was the brother of Richard E Goodman and Ruth Marion Goodman. He may have other siblings in addition to Richard and Ruth.

Details regarding Leslie F. Goodman’s upbringing are not in the spotlight. What he went through as a child is unknown. It is unclear if he had attended school or not. His educational background and qualifications are not available. He became a postal worker. According to publicly available information, he worked as a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service.

Leslie developed feelings for a woman named Virginia Roos (née Loosmore). He and Virginia began dating soon after they met. It is unknown how he did it but Leslie was able to win Virginia’s heart. The two were convinced that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together as a couple. Leslie eventually made Virginia his wife.

It is unknown if Leslie’s marriage to Virginia Roos was his first or not. Nothing is known about the past romantic relationships he had before Virginia came into the picture. Leslie and Virginia reportedly became husband and wife officially in the year 1937, in a beautiful wedding ceremony that took place in St. Louis, St. Louis County.

Leslie’s wife Virginia was a very hard-working woman and a supportive wife. She did several jobs to provide for her family. She was a waitress at Jack and Phil’s Bar-B-Que, a retail store worker, and also did laundry work to support the family. Leslie and Virginia’s marriage was blessed with three children, who are now adults.

ALSO, READ: Virginia Roos: What Happened To John Goodman’s Mother?

Their children are Leslie Francis Goodman Jr., John Stephen Goodman, and Elisabeth Anne Goodman. Leslie Jr was born on January 20, 1938, John was born on June 20, 1952, and Elisabeth was born on November 20, 1954. Leslie and his wife Virginia remained married until Leslie’s death separated them. Leslie died at the time his son John was two years old.

Leslie F. Goodman’s daughter Elisabeth was born six months after he died. He died leaving his wife Virginia and his children behind. Leslie did not get to see his son John Goodman become the successful actor he is today. John was affected by Leslie’s death. He has even described his childhood as alone and withdrawn after his father died so early.

John’s older brother, Leslie Jr, who is 14 years his senior had also left home to attend college. John was even bullied at school for being overweight. Leslie Jr would later return home to help raise his younger siblings. Things might have been difficult for Virginia Roos who became a widow and was left to raise three children after her husband Leslie F. Goodman passed away.

How Did John Goodman’s Father Die?

John Goodman’s father Leslie F. Goodman was killed by a heart attack. He took his last breath on 20 May 1954, at age 37, in Clayton, St. Louis County, Missouri, USA. He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery Mausoleum and Crematory, Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri, USA. His wife Virginia Roos died on 7 June 2000, at the age of 82 years.

Virginia was also buried at Mount Hope Cemetery Mausoleum and Crematory, Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri, USA. Leslie and Virginia’s son John Goodman has struggled with alcoholism. He once said: “If I’d picture in my mind a drink—usually straight out of the bottle—I couldn’t not do it,” noting that while acting in plays he would “have the shakes so bad I’d have to have a drink to get through the show. I’m lucky I never got fired.”

ALSO, READ: Molly Evangeline Goodman: Who is John Goodman’s daughter, What does she do?

John Goodman said he “got so lucky because I was still getting hired for things but the fact is, I was drinking at work. My speech would be slurred. I thought I was fooling people. My cheeks would turn bright red when I was liquored up and I just looked like a stop sign.” He added: “I got sober in L.A. and I was really worried about going home.”

“But you gotta figure, as many drunks as there are down there, there has to be as many sober people. So I found a good community and good support.”