Lennie's first role in cinema was in Tunes of Glory (1960), and he went on to establish a successful career in the medium as a character actor, often playing plucky wee Scotsman parts in war films such as The Great Escape (1963), 633 Squadron (1964), and Oh! What a Lovely War (1969). He was also in a succession of comedies such as Petticoat Pirates (1961), Operation Snatch (1962), One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing (1975) and The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984). He appeared alongside Richard Burton in the film The V.I.P.s in 1964.
He remains well known for his long running role as cook Shughie McFee in the soap opera Crossroads, which he played from 1974 to 1981. His earliest major role was as Davie "Sunny Jim" Green in BBC Scotland's comedy series, Para Handy - Master Mariner in 1959-60. Other TV credits include: Target Luna, The Saint (The Fellow Traveller), Doctor Who (in the serials The Ice Warriors and Terror of the Zygons), The Borderers, Z Cars, Rumpole of the Bailey, Lovejoy, The Onedin Line, All Night Long, Keeping Up Appearances and Monarch of the Glen.
Lennie was born and raised in Glasgow receiving formal education there at Eastbank Academy. During his childhood he was a member of the 94th Glasgow (1st Shettleston) Company of Scotland's Boys' Brigade.
Lennie died on 14 September 2014 in Acton, West London, in his 85th year.
