Bill McCutcheon

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.

Bill McCutcheon
McCutcheon in the Off-Broadway's revue Wet Paint
Born	(1924-05-23)May 23, 1924 Russell, Kentucky, U.S.
Died	January 9, 2002(2002-01-09) (aged 77) Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1941–1992 2000–2002
Spouse	Anne McCutcheon (1952–2002)

Early life

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.^{[citation needed]}

He also had a prominent role in the movie of 1989, Steel Magnolias, in which he played Owen Jenkins, beau of Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine).^{[citation needed]}

Career

He was also active in film and on the stage.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]}

Other stage appearances include You Can't Take It with You and The Man Who Came to Dinner.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[2]

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1964	Santa Claus Conquers the Martians	Dropo
1969	Viva Max!	Desmond Miller
1972	Deadhead Miles	Used Car Salesman
1972	The Stoolie	Gas Station Proprietor
1975	W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings	Good Ole Boy #1
1979	Hot Stuff	Paully Albadecker
1985	What Comes Around	Store Owner
1988	Vibes	Mr. Van Der Meer
1989	Steel Magnolias	Owen Jenkins
1989	Family Business	Doheny
1990	Tune in Tomorrow	Puddler
1990	Mr. Destiny	Leo Hansen