Lawrence Montaigne was a prolific science fiction actor of his era, with a career spanning several decades. Born in New York, Montaigne was raised in Italy and began his career in summer stock at the Belgrade Playhouse in Maine. He was multilingual, having trained as a classical dancer, and initially came to California as a member of the Hollywood Bowl Ballet Company.
Montaigne's introduction to the screen came through both dancing and stunt work in swashbucklers, with his skills as a fencer aiding his entry into the stunt world. After serving in the Marine Corps, he completed his training at the Dramatic Workshop in New York.
His role in The Great Escape (1963) marked a turning point in his career, leading to regular engagements in television series such as Perry Mason, The Fugitive, The Rogues, Hogan's Heroes, and Star Trek. Montaigne's versatility and range allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, from robotic Mr. Glee in Batman to sinister alien assassin in The Invaders.
Montaigne's writing career was just as prolific, with a screenplay for Disney in 1978 and two novels: "The Guardian List" and "The Barrel of Death". He held a Masters Degree from North Texas State University, where he lectured on film.
