James McCallion
James McCallion | |
|---|---|
 McCallion in National Velvet (1960) | |
| Born | 27 September 1918 |
| Died | 11 July 1991 (aged 72) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1925–1983 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
James McCallion (27 September 1918 – 11 July 1991) was an Irish-American character actor whose career spanned more than five decades across film, television, radio, and theater.[1] Known for his youthful start and wide range of supporting roles, he appeared in numerous stage productions, classic films, and popular television series.
Early life
[edit]James McCallion was born in Derry, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States as a child. He began acting at the age of seven. At nine years old, he made his Broadway debut in 1927 alongside Leon Errol in Yours Truly.[2] He later performed in other Broadway productions, including Roosty and But for the Grace of God. A 1937 article in the Daily World features McCallion in a photo with fellow young actor Robert Mayors, praising the play as "an outstanding contribution to the theatrical season".[3]
Stage and film career
[edit]McCallion's success on the stage and radio, particularly in shows like Billy and Betty, brought him to the attention of Hollywood studios.[1] His early film roles included appearances in Boy Slaves (1939), Code of the Streets (1939), and Pride of the Blue Grass (1939).[1]
Television
[edit]McCallion appeared on television in over a hundred programs from the 1950s through the early 1980s. He starred as Mi Taylor in the NBC television series National Velvet (1960–1962), a role originally played by Mickey Rooney in the 1944 film.[1]
Personal life
[edit]McCallion was married to actress Nora Marlowe from 1943 until her death in 1977.[1] They had two children, Denis McCallion and Tracey McCallion Campbell.[1] Their son Denis later became a television producer, and their daughter Tracey worked as a personal assistant to many people in the entertainment industry.[4]
Death
[edit]James McCallion died on July 11, 1991, at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, California. His daughter, Tracey McCallion Campbell, stated he had suffered a heart attack after undergoing treatment for kidney failure.[1] He was 72 years old.[2]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | Boy Slaves | Tim | |
| 1939 | Code of the Streets | Danny Shay | |
| 1939 | Pride of the Blue Grass' | Danny Lowman | |
| 1939 | The Man Who Dared | Ralph Carter | |
| 1954 | Vera Cruz | Little-Bit | |
| 1954 | Playgirl | Paul | |
| 1955 | Illegal | Allen Parker | |
| 1955 | Kiss Me Deadly | Uncredited | |
| 1955 | The Big Combo | Frank – Lab Technician | |
| 1959 | North by Northwest | Plaza Valet (uncredited) | |
| 1963 | PT 109 | Pat McMahon | |
| 1965 | Strange Bedfellows | Old Man | |
| 1966 | The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming | Townsperson (uncredited) | |
| 1967 | Gunfight in Abilene | Smoky Staub | |
| 1968 | Coogan’s Bluff | Room Clerk | |
| 1970 | How Do I Love Thee? | Pete McGurk | |
| 1970 | The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County | Dr. Henry | |
| 1971 | Skin Game | Stanfil | |
| 1973 | Cotter | Fireman | |
| 1974 | The Strange and Deadly Occurrence | Ardie Detweiller | Television film |
| 1975 | The Prisoner of Second Avenue | Mr. Cooperman |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Gunsmoke | Various roles | 3 episodes |
| 1956–1957 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Various roles | 2 episodes |
| 1957 | Maverick | Charlie | 1 episode |
| 1957 | Zane Grey Theatre | Robie White | 1 episode |
| 1959 | The Twilight Zone | Reporter #1 | 1 episode |
| 1959 | Johnny Ringo | Grailey | 1 episode |
| 1959 | Hawaiian Eye | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1960–1962 | National Velvet | Mi Taylor | 58 episodes |
| 1960 | The Andy Griffith Show | Various roles | 2 episodes |
| 1963 | The Outer Limits | Dr. Tremaine | 1 episode |
| 1963–1965 | The Fugitive | Various roles | 3 episodes |
| 1965–1967 | The F.B.I. | Various roles | 5 episodes |
| 1966 | Mission: Impossible | Sparrow | 1 episode |
| 1966 | The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1966 | That Girl | Guest role | 2 episodes |
| 1967 | The Invaders | Brennan | 1 episode |
| 1967 | Ironside | Harrington | 5 episodes |
| 1967 | Custer | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1967–1971 | Mannix | Various roles | 3 episodes |
| 1968 | Adam-12 | Cab Driver | 1 episode |
| 1968 | Mayberry R.F.D. | Father | 1 episode |
| 1968 | The Ghost & Mrs. Muir | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1970 | Bonanza | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1971 | Alias Smith and Jones | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1971 | Cannon | Melvin Blake | 4 episodes |
| 1972 | Banyon | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1972 | The Streets of San Francisco | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1973 | Letters from Three Lovers | Al | Television film |
| 1973–1975 | Barnaby Jones | Various roles | 3 episodes |
| 1974 | Police Woman | Guest role | 1 episode |
| 1975 | Who Is the Black Dahlia? | Man in the Car (uncredited) | Television film |
| 1976 | The Rear Guard | Colonel Walsh | 1 episode |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "James McCallion; Character Actor for 5 Decades in Films, TV and Radio". Los Angeles Times. 17 July 1991. p. 16.
- ^ a b "James McCallion, Character Actor". The Flint Journal. 18 July 1991. p. 43.
- ^ "...But for the Grace of God". Daily World. New York. 24 January 1937. p. 13.
- ^ Birnbaum, Jane (June 1995). "How Jenny Jones Made Peace with Her Body". Redbook. p. 52. ProQuest 1807565961.
Life isn't fair, but it can be providential, proof of which is fiancé Denis McCallion, 47, a former Disney TV production executive who met Jones in a comedy club ten years ago.
External links
[edit]
| International | |
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| National | |
