Hollywood and Broadway legend John Cunningham, whose stage and screen career spanned almost seven decades, died on Tuesday (January 6) at the age of 93. His family confirmed that he died inside his beloved home near the Rye Golf Club in New York where he had lived since 1969. His wife of nearly 70 years, Carolyn held his hand as he passed.
In a career that spanned almost seven decades the star appeared in numerous stage productions and in some of the most beloved movies of recent times. He made his debut at the age of 27 in 1960 playing Zoltan and understudying the role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. Amongst his other acclaimed roles through the decades were Nikos in Zorba, Peter (and the understudy for Bobby) in Company, Geoffrey in Rose, John Adams in 1776, and Captain E.J. Smith in Titanic.
He also originated the role of Flan Kittredge in 1990-92 Broadway production of Six Degrees of Separation, however, when it came to the screen version he was replaced in the role by Donald Sutherland instead playing John.
On the big screen he appeared in numerous beloved movies including 1988’s Mystic Pizza opposite Juila Roberts, School Ties in 1992 and For Love or Money in 1993.
Other notable film roles included parts in Nixon and as Ethan Hawke’s dad in the Oscar winning Dead Poets Society in 1989. He was also the voice on the Be A Man tape in the film In and Out.
He didn’t confine himself to films and also made a name for himself on the small screen appearing in eight episodes of Law and Order. He also appeared in other popular shows including 30 Rock, The Good Wife, and Damages.
In 1986, The New York Times described him in an article as “ever-reliable and ever-employed” and “a working actor’s actor.”
Away from his professional commitments he also used his talents in the community. With his good friend and fellow actor, Frances Sternhagen, he initiated and conducted a series of shows entitled Playwrights and Players at the Rye High School Performing Arts Center beginning in 1989.
Designed to raise funds for the centre it ran for at least five years and brought acclaimed playwrights to the stage at the RHSPAC.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Christopher, Catherine, and Laura, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
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