Edward J. Monaghan, a.k.a. Monte Mansfield, actor, singer, dancer, artist and sculptor, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010.
He was a Rancho Mirage resident since 1974. He was born Dec. 8, 1929, an orphan. He was adopted by James and Cleo Monaghan in 1933.
At age 5, he appeared on the Horn and Hardart’s Children’s Theatre, and went from there to “The Catholic Hour” and “Let’s Pretend” in New York. From ages 8 to 13, he appeared in various roles on Broadway. At age 14, he played night clubs, lounges and stage shows. He returned to Broadway at age 19 for six more years.
In 1954, he came West and worked at MGM, Warners and Paramount. He made supper club appearances all over the world until 1980 when he retired.
He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents and his life partner of 46 years, Dr. Robert D. Murphy.
Services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Cathedral City.
