Bill McCutcheon

Who was Bill McCutcheon?

James William McCutcheon was an American character actor known for his roles in film, television, and theatre, several of which won him Emmy and Tony awards.

McCutcheon was born in Russell, Kentucky, the son of Florence Louise and Robert Kenna McCutcheon, who was a railroad conductor. McCutcheon's first major role was Leo the Leprechaun on The Howdy Doody Show. He followed this appearance with a recurring role as Uncle Wally on the children's television series Sesame Street, for which he won an Emmy. He also had a prominent role in the 1989 movie, Steel Magnolias, in which he played Owen Jenkins, beau of Ouiser Boudreaux.

He was also active in film and on the stage. 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. His theatre credits include a role as Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, which won him a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. Other stage appearances include You Can't Take It With You and The Man Who Came to Dinner.

McCutcheon died in 2002 of natural causes at age seventy-seven. He had three children, Carol, Jay, and Kenna.