Who was John McIntire? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: John Herrick McIntire

Died At Age: 83

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jeanette Nolan (m. 1935)

father: John McIntire

mother: Jeanette Nolan

children: Holly McIntire, Tim McIntire

Actors American Men

Height: 6'0" (183 cm), 6'0" Males

Died on: January 30, 1991

place of death: Pasadena, California, United States

U.S. State: Washington

Cause of Death: Lung Cancer

: Emphysema

City: Spokane, Washington

More Facts

education: University Of Southern California

Recommended For You

1

What are some notable movies and TV shows John McIntire appeared in?

Some notable movies and TV shows John McIntire appeared in include "Psycho," "Wagon Train," "The Asphalt Jungle," "Hombre," and "The Virginian."
2

Did John McIntire serve in the military?

Yes, John McIntire served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.
3

Was John McIntire known for any specific acting style or genre?

John McIntire was known for his versatility as an actor, excelling in both dramatic and Western roles throughout his career.
4

What was John McIntire's approach to acting?

John McIntire was known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring authenticity and depth to his characters.
5

How did John McIntire's acting career evolve over time?

John McIntire's acting career evolved from stage performances to radio dramas and eventually to film and television, where he became a respected character actor known for his talent and professionalism.

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Childhood & Early Life

John McIntire was born on June 27, 1907, in Spokane, Washington, USA, to Jean McIntire and Chastine Uretta Herrick McIntire. He had descended from Irish immigrants.

For the most part, he was raised around ranchers in Montana. This experience later helped him portray various characters in western films and TV shows. In later years, he relocated to Santa Monica, California.

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Career

A graduate of University of Southern California, John McIntire began his entertainment career on radio. His first role was on a program called ‘Tarzan and the Diamond of Asher’. While recording the program, he reportedly met his future wife. He played the eponymous role in a Los Angeles radio station's production of ‘The Adventures of Bill Lance’.

McIntire had the distinction of being the first actor to play the titular role in the CBS Radio drama ‘Crime Doctor’. He also served as the narrator on several radio shows, including ‘Lincoln Highway’ and ‘The March of Time’. He was also a prominent theatre actor.

In 1940, McIntire had an uncredited role as the narrator of the ‘Baptism of Fire Footage’ in the drama film ‘The Ramparts We Watch’. Eight years later, when he was 40 years old, McIntire made his debut cinematic appearance in the film-noir ‘Call Northside 777’.

Some of his most memorable films are ‘River Lady’ (1948), ‘Shadow of the Wall’ (1950), ‘The President’s Lady’ (1953), ‘The Asphalt Jungle’ (1950), ‘Psycho’ (1960), ‘Herbie Rides Again’ (1975), and ‘Cloak & Dagger’ (1984).

McIntire made a career out of portraying various archetypal characters in western films. He shared screen space with James Stewart in ‘Winchester ’73’ (1950) and ‘The Far Country’ (1955), Henry Fonda in ‘The Tin Star’ (1957), and John Wayne in ‘Rooster Cogburn’ (1975).

He was known to frequently work with his wife and children in various projects. He and his wife Jeanette Nolan acted together in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’. He portrayed Sheriff Al Chambers while she provided the voice of the “mother”.

He shared screen space with his daughter in two episodes of ‘Wagon Train’. McIntire and Nolan’s real-life son portrayed their reel-life son in a 1966 episode of ‘The Fugitive’.

After making his small screen debut in ‘Front Row Center’, McIntire went on to play Lt. Daniel Muldoon in ‘Naked City’ (1958-59), Charles Underhill and John Leeds in two episodes of ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’ (1958-60), Pa Canfield in ‘The Americans’ (1960), and Dutch McHenry in ‘Shirley’ (1979-80).

Besides ‘Wagon Train’, he was also brought in as a replacement in another television series following the death of one of the members of the cast. In the NBC western ‘The Virginian’ (1967-70), after the death of Charles Bickford who portrayed John Grainger, he joined the cast in the sixth season to play John’s brother Clay Grainger.

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Major Works

In the NBC western series ‘Wagon Train’, John McIntire portrayed wagon master Christopher Hale from season four to season eight. He joined the cast following the death of Ward Bond, who had played the original wagon master, Major Seth Adams.

The series ‘Wagon Train’ had a massive impact on American pop culture. ‘Star Trek’ creator Gene Roddenberry stated that during his pitch for the show, he called it “Wagon Train to the Stars”.

Family & Personal Life

John McIntire became acquainted with actress Jeanette Nolan sometime in 1935. They exchanged wedding vows on August 26, 1935. Their daughter, actress Holly McIntire, was born on July 13, 1941. Jeanette gave birth to their son, late actor Tim McIntire, on July 19, 1944. Tim McIntire passed away at the age of 41 on April 15, 1986, predeceasing both of his parents.

The family used to split their time between their home in Laguna Beach, California and their cattle ranch in northern Montana.

On January 30, 1991, McIntire passed away in Pasadena in Los Angeles County after a long battle with emphysema and lung cancer. He was 83 years old at the time. He is interred at Tobacco Valley Cemetery in Eureka, Lincoln County, Montana.

Facts About John McIntire

McIntire was a versatile performer, equally skilled in both dramatic and comedic roles, showcasing his range as an actor.

In addition to his work in film, McIntire also found success on television, starring in popular series such as "Wagon Train" and "The Virginian."

McIntire's deep, resonant voice became a trademark of his performances, adding a distinct and memorable element to his characters.

Outside of his acting career, McIntire was known for his dedication to his craft and professionalism on set, earning the respect of his colleagues and fans alike.

John McIntire Biography

You wanted to know

What are some notable movies and TV shows John McIntire appeared in?

Did John McIntire serve in the military?

Was John McIntire known for any specific acting style or genre?

What was John McIntire's approach to acting?

How did John McIntire's acting career evolve over time?