Ignatius "Iggie" Wolfington (October 14, 1919 – September 30, 2004) was an American actor. He originated the role of Marcellus Washburn in the Broadway musical The Music Man, which earned him a nomination for the 1958 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical.
Early life Wolfington was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School, then studied at the Bessie V. Hicks School of Drama.
Wolfington served with distinction in the 102nd Infantry Division (United States) at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He received a battlefield commission as a first lieutenant. He was awarded the Silver Star for his role in saving thirty men. He also received the Purple Heart for wounds he received in battle. At his death he was buried with full military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery.
Career A life member of The Actors Studio, Wolfington is best known for originating the role of Marcellus Washburn in the Broadway musical The Music Man, starring Robert Preston, which earned Wolfington a nomination for the 1958 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. Buddy Hackett was cast in the role for the 1962 movie version. In 1980, Wolfington appeared as Mayor Shinn in the short-lived, Off-Broadway revival of The Music Man, starring Dick Van Dyke. He also played the role of Chef Ellsworth in "Mrs. McThing", a 1952 play which featured Helen Hayes.
Wolfington worked in the earliest days of live television, then later became a familiar face on TV appearing in several popular programs including Gunsmoke (“Mad Dog”, 1967), Get Smart, The Andy Griffith Show, The Waltons, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Fantasy Island, and The Rockford Files. He made a few television movies, and also appeared in TV commercials. Wolfington appeared in several motion pictures including Penelope (1966), Hex (1973), Herbie Rides Again (1974), The Strongest Man in the World (1975), Telefon (1977) and 1941 (1979).
Labor union officer For many years, Wolfington was a council member of the Actors' Equity Association, a New York City-based labor union for stage actors. In 1969, he saw the need for a West Coast office of the Actors' Fund of America to provide medical and financial assistance to actors beyond New York. Until that time, stage actors outside of New York had experienced difficulty securing adequate support from the headquarters there. Wolfington handled over 10,000 cases in the fifteen years preceding his 2004 death in Studio City, California.
Personal life In 1972, Wolfington married actress Lynn Wood.Iggy Wolfington, Veteran Actor, Dies at 84, The New York Times, October 11, 2004
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1966 Penelope Store Owner 1973 Hex Bandmaster 1974 Herbie Rides Again Lawyer - Second Team 1975 The Strongest Man in the World Mr. Becker 1977 Telefon Father Stuart Diller 1979 1941 Meyer Mishkin 1988 Daddy's Boys Marriage Licensor
Awards Wolfington received the following awards: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award Philip Loeb Humanitarian Award Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award
References
External links
Obituary on the Actors Equity web site