Actor. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the staunch tree salesman in the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" (1983). Born Leslie Merle Carlson, after attaining his degree in theatrical arts from The University of South Dakota, he began his career as a character actor who acted on stage in Canada, the United States, and England. He was often typecast as husbands, fathers, bachelors, businessman, doctors, lawyers, neighbors, friends, and educators. In 1972, he embarked on a career in film and television, going on to flourish a 40-year career that surpassed over 100 credits. His films include "The Neptune Factor" (1973), "Black Christmas" (1974), "King of Kensington" (1975), "Shoot" (1976), "Custard Pie" (1977), "Lost and Found" (1979), "Circle of Two" (1980), "Improper Things" (1981), "The Fly" (1986), "K2" (1991), "Impolite" (1992), and "The Wishing Tree" (1999). On television, he became a familiar face appearing in several guest spots on such syndicated sitcoms as "The New Avengers," "The Littlest Hobo," "The Magical World of Disney," "American Playhouse," "Anne of Avolena," "The Twilight Zone," "War of the Worlds," "Friday the 13th: The Series," "Murphy's Law," "MacGyver," "Bordertown," "Neon Rider," "21 Jump Street," "Highlander," "The X-Files," "Rookie Blues," "Lost Girl," and "Murdoch Mysteries". During his career, he held dual citizenship with Canada and the United States, was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, was Supportive of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, was active within the Democratic party, was a theatrical instructor for the Tarragon Theatre, was the father of actor Ben Carlson, and was married to actress Patricia Hamilton from 1966 to 1973 (their union ended in divorce). He retired from acting in 2013 due to health issues and died the following year from complications of cancer.