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Bill McCutcheon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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

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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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

Death

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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

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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

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  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."
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