Bill McCutcheon

Bill McCutcheon
McCutcheon in the Off-Broadway's revue Wet Paint
Born(1924-05-23)May 23, 1924
DiedJanuary 9, 2002(2002-01-09) (aged 77)
OccupationActor
Years active1941–2002
Spouse
Anne McCutcheon
​
(m. 1952)​
Children3

James William McCutcheon (May 23, 1924 – January 9, 2002) was an American character actor known for his roles in film, television, and theatre, several of which won him Emmy and Tony awards.

Early life and career

McCutcheon was born in Russell, Kentucky, the son of Robert Kenna McCutcheon, who was a railroad conductor and Florence Louise (née Elam).[1] McCutcheon's first major role was Leo the Leprechaun on The Howdy Doody Show. He followed this appearance with a recurring role (from 1984 to 1992) as Uncle Wally on the children's television series by PBS, Sesame Street, for which he won an Emmy.[2]

He was also active in film and on the stage.[3] His first film appearance was in 1964's Santa Claus Conquers the Martians; later on, he was seen in movies including Family Business and Steel Magnolias. McCutcheon was a familiar face to young audience in the 1960s, when he appeared on several Tootsie Roll television commercials. His theatre credits include a role as Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, which won him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.[4]

Other stage appearances include You Can't Take It with You and The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Death

A resident of Mahwah, New Jersey, McCutcheon died on January 9, 2002, of natural causes, aged 77. He had three children, Carol, Jay, and Kenna.[5]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1964Santa Claus Conquers the MartiansDropo
1969Viva Max!Desmond Miller
1972Deadhead MilesUsed Car Salesman
1972The StoolieGas Station Proprietor
1975W.W. and the Dixie DancekingsGood Ole Boy #1
1979Hot StuffPaully Albadecker
1985What Comes AroundStore Owner
1988VibesMr. Van Der Meer
1989Steel MagnoliasOwen Jenkins
1989Family BusinessDoheny
1990Tune in TomorrowPuddler
1990Mr. DestinyLeo Hansen

References

  1. ↑ "Bill McCutcheon Biography". filmreference. 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
  2. ↑ "Bill McCutcheon, actor on Sesame Street, dies". The Courier. January 13, 2002. p. 31.
  3. ↑ Gerald A. Elliot (August 23, 1970). "Just Call Bill McCutcheon A Man of Many Faces". The Grand Rapids Press. p. 81.
  4. ↑ "Tony actor regales students". The Journal News. April 12, 1992. p. 31.
  5. ↑ McLellan, Dennis. "Bill McCutcheon, 77; Comedic Actor", Los Angeles Times, January 12, 2002. Accessed May 16, 2016. "McCutcheon, who lived in Mahwah, N.J., died Wednesday of natural causes at a hospital in Ridgewood, N.J."