NEW YORK, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Actor Jan Leighton, who was once listed as having portrayed more roles than any other actor, died in New York at the age of 87, his daughter Hallie said.
The New York Times said Saturday that Leighton was recognized in the 1985 Guinness Book of World Records with playing 2,407 roles in his career, ranging from commercials to TV drama roles.
Leighton was also known for portraying historical figures for print advertisements and commercials, portraying Albert Einstein in a car dealership commercial and Abraham Lincoln in a bank promotion.
Makeup artist Jay Pearlman, who worked with Leighton in several of his roles, said the actor was able to truly embody the historical and fictional characters he portrayed.
"His features were handsome but regular," Pearlman said of Leighton, who died on Nov. 16 of complications after a stroke. "He could always submerge himself in makeup and in facial contortions."
The Times said in addition to his daughter Hallie, Leighton is survived by his son, Ross Leighton.
