Bill McCutcheon
Actor
About Bill McCutcheon
Bill McCutcheon was an American character actor whose career spanned theater, television, and film for over four decades. Born William Joseph McCutcheon Jr., he began his career after serving in World War II and studying at Northwestern University. He established himself as a versatile character actor, particularly known for his work on Broadway where he won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for 'The 1940's Radio Hour' in 1980. His film career included appearances in notable productions like 'The Sting' (1973), 'The Great Gatsby' (1974), and the cult classic 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), where he played Girmar. McCutcheon also had extensive television credits, with recurring roles in popular series such as 'The Equalizer' and 'Kate & Allie.' His distinctive appearance and comedic timing made him a recognizable face across all entertainment mediums throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
The Craft
On Screen
McCutcheon was known for his versatile character acting, often playing quirky, memorable supporting roles with a distinctive comedic timing. His performances were characterized by his ability to inhabit eccentric characters with warmth and humor, making him particularly effective in both dramatic and comedic roles. His physical appearance, including his round face and expressive features, contributed to his memorable screen presence.
Milestones
- Tony Award win for 'The 1940's Radio Hour' (1980)
- Role in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964)
- Appearance in 'The Sting' (1973)
- Recurring role in 'Kate & Allie' (1984-1989)
- Broadway debut in 'The Music Man' (1957)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for 'The 1940's Radio Hour' (1980)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for 'The 1940's Radio Hour' (1980)
Nominated
- Tony Award nomination for 'The Little Foxes' (1981)
Special Recognition
- Inducted into the Kentucky Theater Hall of Fame
- Northwestern University Alumni Achievement Award
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bill McCutcheon contributed significantly to American theater and television culture through his memorable character performances. His work in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' created a lasting cult film legacy, with the movie becoming a holiday tradition for fans of unconventional cinema. His Tony Award-winning performance in 'The 1940's Radio Hour' helped preserve and celebrate American radio history through theatrical art. McCutcheon's extensive television work made him a familiar face to American households during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the golden age of American television sitcoms and dramas.
Lasting Legacy
Bill McCutcheon's legacy endures through his contributions to American theater, particularly his Tony Award-winning work that exemplified the golden age of Broadway musical theater. His role in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' has secured him a permanent place in cult cinema history, with the film being referenced in popular culture and shown annually during the holiday season. His dedication to character acting set a standard for supporting performers in theater and television, demonstrating how even smaller roles could leave lasting impressions on audiences.
Who They Inspired
McCutcheon influenced subsequent generations of character actors through his versatility and commitment to craft. His ability to seamlessly transition between theater, film, and television demonstrated the value of cross-medium performance skills. Younger actors who worked with him noted his professionalism and generosity in ensemble settings. His success in both commercial and artistic productions showed that character actors could achieve critical recognition while maintaining steady careers in popular entertainment.
Off Screen
Bill McCutcheon married actress Alyce Mills, with whom he shared both personal and professional collaborations. The couple remained married until his death in 2002. McCutcheon was known for his dedication to theater arts and often participated in regional theater productions throughout his career. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army before pursuing his acting career.
Education
Northwestern University (studied drama after military service)
Family
- Alyce Mills (married until his death in 2002)
Did You Know?
- He served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing acting
- His role in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' was one of his earliest film appearances
- He was a founding member of the American Shakespeare Festival
- McCutcheon often played characters much older than his actual age
- He appeared in over 100 television episodes throughout his career
- His distinctive voice made him popular for radio commercials and voice work
- He continued performing on Broadway well into his 60s
- The film 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' was filmed in just two weeks
- He was a regular performer at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey
- His Tony Award win came late in his career at age 56
In Their Own Words
The theater is where I feel most at home, where every character becomes a part of you
Even the smallest role can leave the biggest impression if you give it your all
Working in ensemble casts has always been my greatest joy - we're all in it together
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bill McCutcheon?
Bill McCutcheon was an American character actor known for his work in theater, television, and film from the 1950s through the early 2000s. He won a Tony Award for his performance in 'The 1940's Radio Hour' and appeared in the cult classic 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.'
What films is Bill McCutcheon best known for?
McCutcheon is best known for his role as Girmar in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964), as well as appearances in 'The Sting' (1973), 'The Great Gatsby' (1974), and 'The World According to Garp' (1982).
When was Bill McCutcheon born and when did he die?
Bill McCutcheon was born on May 23, 1924, in Russell, Kentucky, and passed away on January 9, 2002, at the age of 77.
What awards did Bill McCutcheon win?
McCutcheon won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for 'The 1940's Radio Hour' in 1980, as well as a Drama Desk Award for the same performance. He also received a Tony nomination for 'The Little Foxes' in 1981.
What was Bill McCutcheon's acting style?
McCutcheon was known for his versatile character acting with distinctive comedic timing and the ability to play eccentric roles with warmth and humor. His expressive features and physical presence made him particularly effective in both dramatic and comedic supporting roles.
Did Bill McCutcheon work primarily in film or theater?
While McCutcheon worked across all mediums, he was particularly celebrated for his theater work, winning a Tony Award and appearing in numerous Broadway productions. However, he also had extensive television and film credits throughout his career.
Was Bill McCutcheon related to any other famous actors?
No, Bill McCutcheon was not related to other famous actors. He was married to actress Alyce Mills, with whom he sometimes collaborated professionally.
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Films
1 film
