James McCallion


James McCallion 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 |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, Code of the Streets, and Pride of the Blue Grass.

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, 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

YearTitleRoleNotes
1939Boy SlavesTim
1939Code of the StreetsDanny Shay
1939Pride of the Blue GrassDanny Lowman
1939The Man Who DaredRalph Carter
1954Vera CruzLittle-Bit
1954PlaygirlPaul
1955IllegalAllen Parker
1955Kiss Me DeadlyUncredited
1955The Big ComboFrank – Lab Technician
1959North by NorthwestPlaza Valet
1963PT 109Pat McMahon
1965Strange BedfellowsOld Man
1966The [Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming]Townsperson
1967Gunfight in AbileneSmoky Staub
1968Coogan’s BluffRoom Clerk
1970How Do I Love Thee?Pete McGurk
1970The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico CountyDr. Henry
1971Skin GameStanfil
1973CotterFireman
1974The Strange and Deadly OccurrenceArdie DetweillerTelevision film
1975The Prisoner of Second AvenueMr. Cooperman

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1955GunsmokeVarious roles3 episodes
1956–1957Alfred Hitchcock PresentsVarious roles2 episodes
1957MaverickCharlie1 episode
1957Zane Grey TheatreRobie White1 episode
1959The Twilight ZoneReporter #11 episode
1959Johnny RingoGrailey1 episode
1959Hawaiian EyeGuest role1 episode
1960–1962National VelvetMi Taylor58 episodes
1960The Andy Griffith ShowVarious roles2 episodes
1963The Outer LimitsDr. Tremaine1 episode
1963–1965The FugitiveVarious roles3 episodes
1965–1967The F.B.I.Various roles5 episodes
1966Mission: ImpossibleSparrow1 episode
1966The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.Guest role1 episode
1966That GirlGuest role2 episodes
1967The InvadersBrennan1 episode
1967IronsideHarrington5 episodes
1967CusterGuest role1 episode
1967–1971MannixVarious roles3 episodes
1968Adam-12Cab Driver1 episode
1968Mayberry R.F.D.Father1 episode
1968The Ghost & Mrs. MuirGuest role1 episode
1970BonanzaGuest role1 episode
1971Alias Smith and JonesGuest role1 episode
1971CannonMelvin Blake4 episodes
1972BanyonGuest role1 episode
1972The Streets of San FranciscoGuest role1 episode
1973Letters from Three LoversAlTelevision film
1973–1975Barnaby JonesVarious roles3 episodes
1974Police WomanGuest role1 episode
1975Who Is the Black Dahlia?Man in the Car Television film
1976The Rear GuardColonel Walsh1 episode