John McIntire

Biography

John Herrick McIntire (June 27, 1907 – January 30, 1991) was a distinguished American character actor whose career spanned over five decades and included appearances in 65 films and numerous television shows. He is particularly recognized for stepping into the role of Christopher Hale on NBC's iconic series *Wagon Train* after the untimely passing of Ward Bond in November 1960. McIntire portrayed Hale, the wagon train's leader, from 1961 until the show's conclusion in 1965, successfully carrying on the legacy of his predecessor.

In addition to his work on *Wagon Train*, McIntire took over the character of Clay Grainger on *The Virginian* following the death of Charles Bickford in 1967. His portrayal of Grainger, the ranch owner and brother to Bickford's character, spanned four seasons and further solidified his reputation in the television landscape.

McIntire's personal life included a marriage to actress Jeanette Nolan, with whom he had two children. He faced profound loss when their son, actor and musician Tim McIntire, passed away in 1986 due to heart complications. John McIntire succumbed to emphysema and lung cancer on January 30, 1991, in Pasadena, California, at the age of 83. He left behind his wife, their daughter Holly McIntire-Wright, and grandson Luke Wright, as well as a legacy marked by remarkable versatility and dedication to his craft.