John McIntire was a versatile and prolific actor who appeared in over 60 films and numerous television shows, mostly in western and crime genres. He is best known for his roles as Christopher Hale in Wagon Train, Clay Grainger in The Virginian, and Sheriff Chambers in Psycho. He was also a prominent radio and theatre personality before he made his big-screen debut. He died on January 30, 1991, at the age of 83, from emphysema and lung cancer. Here is a brief overview of his life and career, as well as the details of his cause of death.
Early Life and Career
John McIntire was born on June 27, 1907, in Spokane, Washington, to Jean McIntire and Chastine Uretta Herrick McIntire. He had Irish ancestry. He grew up around ranchers in Montana, which influenced his later portrayals of western characters. He later moved to Santa Monica, California.
He attended the University of California for two years before dropping out. He began his entertainment career on radio, where he met his future wife Jeanette Nolan. They married in 1935 and had two children, Tim and Holly.
He played the title role in a Los Angeles radio station’s production of The Adventures of Bill Lance and was the first actor to play the title role in the CBS radio drama Crime Doctor. He also served as the narrator on several radio shows, including Lincoln Highway and The March of Time. He was also a prominent theatre actor.
Film and Television Roles
He made his film debut as an uncredited narrator in the 1940 drama film The Ramparts We Watch. His first credited appearance was in the 1948 film-noir Call Northside 777. He went on to appear in films such as The Asphalt Jungle, Winchester ’73, The Far Country, The Tin Star, Elmer Gantry, Psycho, Shenandoah, and Turner & Hooch.
He made his television debut in 1954 in an episode of Front Row Center. He starred in several western series, such as Wagon Train, The Virginian, The Westerner, and The Californians. He also appeared in shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Fugitive, Hawaii Five-O, and Murder She Wrote.
He won two Bronze Wrangler Awards for his roles in Wagon Train and The Virginian. He also won a CINE Golden Eagle Award for his narration of the documentary The American West of John Ford.
Cause of Death
According to Wikipedia, John McIntire died on January 30, 1991, at the age of 83 from emphysema and lung cancer. He had been suffering from these diseases for a long time and had retired from acting in 1989. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered over Montana.
He was survived by his wife Jeanette Nolan, who died in 1998 at the age of 86. They had been married for 63 years and had worked together on many projects. They were one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples.
John McIntire was a talented and respected actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances. He was admired by his peers and fans alike for his professionalism and versatility. He will always be remembered as one of the greats of the western genre.
