Harve Presnell (September 14, 1933 – June 30, 2009) was an American actor and singer. He began his career in the mid-1950s as a classical
baritone, singing with
orchestras and
opera companies throughout the United States. His career reoriented away from classical music to musical theatre in 1960 after
Meredith Willson cast him in the lead role of his new
Broadway musical
The Unsinkable Molly Brown. His portrayal of "Leadville Johnny" was a resounding success and he reprised the role in the 1964 film version of the musical, winning a
Golden Globe Award for his portrayal.