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.
Also recorded as James William McCutcheon
Bill McCutcheon

Friedman-Abeles Studio, New York · eBay (front back) · Public domain
- Name
- Bill McCutcheon
- Born
- 23 May 1924
- Birthplace
- Russell, Kentucky, U.S.
- Died
- 9 January 2002
- Place of death
- Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
- Occupation
- Actor
- Nationality
- United States.
- Languages
- English.
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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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Documentary evidence
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Authority files
wikidata · Q336555 · wikipedia · Bill McCutcheon
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Bill McCutcheon • Born — 23 May 1924 • Birthplace — Russell, Kentucky, U.S. • Died — 9 January 2002 • Place of death — Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S. • Occupation — Actor • Years Active — 1941–2002 • Children — 3
Early life and career
Early life and career
McCutcheon was born in Russell, Kentucky, the son of Robert Kenna McCutcheon, who was a railroad conductor and Florence Louise (née Elam). 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. 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. McCutcheon was a familiar face to young audience in the 1960s, when he appeared on several Tootsie Roll television commercials. 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. Other stage appearances include You Can't Take It with You and The Man Who Came to Dinner.
Death
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.
Filmography
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
Bill McCutcheon portrays nitpicking coach Harold "Pinky" Pinkney of the Washington Americans, on "Ball Four," new comedy series based on Jim Bouton's best-selling book of the same title, premiering this fall (Wednesdays, 8:30-9:00 PM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.
CBS Television · eBay archive
Life and career
Dated record
Life and career
The full dated record · 2 entries
1924
Bill McCutcheon was born on 23 May 1924.
2002
Bill McCutcheon died on 9 January 2002.
Places
Named by the record
Places
Only places the record itself states, plotted where the house gazetteer settles their coordinates. Nothing is inferred from a name or a nationality.
Russell.
Birth place
Ridgewood.
Death place
Primary material
Documents and archives
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q336555: Bill McCutcheon
General reference · Wikidata
reference work
- “Bill McCutcheon”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
Citations
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authority record
Secondary witnessreference work
Secondary witness
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 17 August 2026.
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