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.

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Quick Facts Born, Died ...

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)

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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.^{[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]}

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]}

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]