Bill McCutcheon

A popular comic actor of stage, screen, and film who was comfortable regardless of the platform he was performing on, eight-year Sesame Street veteran and Obie, Tony, and Emmy award-winning actor Bill McCutcheon provided laughter for young and old alike during his many years as an entertainer.

A native of Russell, KY, who was born in 1924, McCutcheon rose to prominence early on with his memorable role as Leo the Leprechaun on The Howdy Doody Show. Following with a recurring role on Dom DeLuise's 1968 comedy-variety show and later a three-time daytime Emmy-winning stint as Uncle Wally on children's television mainstay Sesame Street, McCutcheon also gained nods in the theater community for his roles in the 1988 revival of Anything Goes and in Christopher Durang's The Marriage of Bette and Boo. Concurrently appearing in such films as Steel Magnolias and Family Business (both 1989), the tireless versatile actor also continued to tour with regional theater in various roles. McCutcheon's first film appearance was in the cult-classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians in 1964.

In January of 2002, Bill McCutcheon died of natural causes in Ridgewood, NJ. He was 77. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide