Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
STEICHEN, Gene
STEICHEN, Gene. (Dubuque, IA--Los Angeles, CA, 2026) Gene's Dubuque education included graduating from St Anthony's Elementary School in 1975 and STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL in 1979. Gene became a member of the COLTS DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS where he marched for most of his adolescence. He was a member until his aged out at 21. Decades later he was voted into the Colts Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of lowa in 1984. At lowa, he was a member of the Marching Band for one year during the 1981/1982 season. The band played in the 1982 Rose Bowl after Hayden Fry and the Iowa Hawkeyes won the Big 10 Championship, breaking a 23-year drought.
Gene graduated from the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. After graduation he pursued an acting career. He performed in many sitcoms and television productions. He became prolific in national television commercials such as Snickers and E-Trade, including an E-Trade commercial that he starred in during Super Bowl 35.
SHis professional break came when he was cast as the "Leaf" for Fruit of the Loom. This award-winning franchise lasted nearly 10 years resulting in some memorable commercials. He was a proud and active member of the Screen Actors Guild of America for 35 years.
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Source:
Dubuque Today, Obituaries