James McCallion (27 September 1918 – 11 July 1991) was an Irish-American character actor whose career spanned more than five decades across film, television, radio, and theater. Known for his youthful start and wide range of supporting roles, he appeared in numerous stage productions, classic films, and popular television series.

Early life James McCallion was born in Derry, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States as a child. He began acting at the age of seven. At nine years old, he made his Broadway debut in 1927 alongside Leon Errol in Yours Truly. He later performed in other Broadway productions, including Roosty and But for the Grace of God. A 1937 article in the Daily World features McCallion in a photo with fellow young actor Robert Mayors, praising the play as "an outstanding contribution to the theatrical season".

Stage and film career McCallion's success on the stage and radio, particularly in shows like Billy and Betty, brought him to the attention of Hollywood studios. His early film roles included appearances in Boy Slaves (1939), Code of the Streets (1939), and Pride of the Blue Grass (1939).

Television McCallion appeared on television in over a hundred programs from the 1950s through the early 1980s. He starred as Mi Taylor in the NBC television series National Velvet (1960–1962), a role originally played by Mickey Rooney in the 1944 film.

Personal life McCallion was married to actress Nora Marlowe from 1943 until her death in 1977. They had two children, Denis McCallion and Tracey McCallion Campbell. Their son Denis later became a television producer, and their daughter Tracey worked as a personal assistant to many people in the entertainment industry.

Death James McCallion died on July 11, 1991, at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, California. His daughter, Tracey McCallion Campbell, stated he had suffered a heart attack after undergoing treatment for kidney failure. He was 72 years old.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes 1939 Boy Slaves Tim 1939 Code of the Streets Danny Shay 1939 Pride of the Blue Grass Danny Lowman 1939 The Man Who Dared Ralph Carter 1954 Vera Cruz Little-Bit 1954 Playgirl Paul 1955 Illegal Allen Parker 1955 Kiss Me Deadly Uncredited 1955 The Big Combo Frank – Lab Technician 1959 North by Northwest Plaza Valet (uncredited) 1963 PT 109 Pat McMahon 1965 Strange Bedfellows Old Man 1966 The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming Townsperson (uncredited) 1967 Gunfight in Abilene Smoky Staub 1968 Coogan's Bluff Room Clerk 1970 How Do I Love Thee? Pete McGurk 1970 The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County Dr. Henry 1971 Skin Game Stanfil 1973 Cotter Fireman 1974 The Strange and Deadly Occurrence Ardie Detweiller Television film 1975 The Prisoner of Second Avenue Mr. Cooperman

Television

Year Title Role Notes 1955 Gunsmoke Various roles 3 episodes 1956–1957 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Various roles 2 episodes 1957 Maverick Charlie 1 episode 1957 Zane Grey Theatre Robie White 1 episode 1959 The Twilight Zone Reporter #1 1 episode 1959 Johnny Ringo Grailey 1 episode 1959 Hawaiian Eye Guest role 1 episode 1960–1962 National Velvet Mi Taylor 58 episodes 1960 The Andy Griffith Show Various roles 2 episodes 1963 The Outer Limits Dr. Tremaine 1 episode 1963–1965 The Fugitive Various roles 3 episodes 1965–1967 The F.B.I. Various roles 5 episodes 1966 Misson: Impossible Sparrow 1 episode 1966 The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. Guest role 1 episode 1966 That Girl Guest role 2 episodes 1967 The Invaders Brennan 1 episode 1967 Ironside Harrington 5 episodes 1967 Custer Guest role 1 episode 1967–1971 Mannix Various roles 3 episodes 1968 Adam-12 Cab Driver 1 episode 1968 Mayberry R.F.D. Father 1 episode 1968 The Ghost & Mrs. Muir Guest role 1 episode 1970 Bonanza Guest role 1 episode 1971 Alias Smith and Jones Guest role 1 episode 1971 Cannon Melvin Blake 4 episodes 1972 Banyon Guest role 1 episode 1972 The Streets of San Francisco Guest role 1 episode 1973 Letters from Three Lovers Al Television film 1973–1975 Barnaby Jones Various roles 3 episodes 1974 Police Woman Guest role 1 episode 1975 Who Is the Black Dahlia? Man in the Car (uncredited) Television film 1976 The Rear Guard Colonel Walsh 1 episode

References

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