Born: November 5, 1913 – Died: September 9, 1975
John Irwin McGiver, best known for his role in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," began his acting career later in life. He obtained B.A. and Master's degrees in English from prestigious universities and initially taught drama and speech. McGiver's early attempt at acting occurred in 1938, but a weekly income of $26.42 proved insufficient. He later served in World War II and achieved the rank of Captain. After returning to teaching, he eventually transitioned into off-Broadway acting. McGiver's distinct style captivated audiences as he brought memorable characters to life on both television and film. With his precise manner of speaking and unique presence, he left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
John Irwin McGiver was born on November 5, 1913. He attended Fordham, Columbia, and Catholic Universities, where he earned B.A. and Master's degrees in English. Initially, McGiver pursued a career in teaching and worked as a drama and speech instructor at Christopher Columbus High school in the Bronx.
In 1938, McGiver had his first taste of acting as an actor/director for the Irish Repertory Theatre. However, due to financial constraints, he decided to put his acting ambitions on hold. In 1939, he enlisted in the army and served in World War II. McGiver fought with the U.S. 7th Armored Division in Europe, including active involvement in the Battle of the Bulge. After six years of service, he was demobilized with the rank of Captain.
Following his military service, McGiver returned to teaching drama while occasionally dabbling in off-Broadway acting. It was during this time that his path in the entertainment industry took shape. Around 1955, after one of his part-time acting performances, McGiver received an opportunity to pursue a career in film and television.
McGiver's breakout role came in 1961, when he portrayed the Tiffany's Salesman in the iconic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's." This role brought him significant recognition and kick-started his career. He continued to make a lasting impact through his distinct style and precise manner of speaking, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
While McGiver did not achieve the level of super-stardom or win major awards, he had a prolific career with over 100 acting credits to his name. He was known for his comedic roles in films like "Fitzwilly" (1967) and "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966). On television, he appeared in popular shows such as "Mr. Terrific" (1967) and "The Jimmy Stewart Show" (1971-1972). His portrayal of Roswell Flemington in the TV series "The Twilight Zone" (1963-1964) also garnered critical acclaim.
In his personal life, McGiver married Chicago scenic designer Ruth Shmigelsky in 1947, and they settled down in a converted 19th-century former Baptist Church.
Overall, John Irwin McGiver left a significant impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Though he may not be considered an icon or legendary figure, his unique style and memorable performances earned him a place in the hearts of many. His contributions to film and television continue to be appreciated by audiences.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Ellery Queen (TV Series) | Mr. Pearl |
| 1975 | McCoy (TV Series) | Brookside |
| 1975 | The Apple Dumpling Gang | Leonard Sharpe |
| 1974 | 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (TV Movie) | Mayor (voice) |
| 1974 | Mame | Mr. Babcock |
| 1973 | Arnold | Governor |
| 1973 | Tom Sawyer (TV Movie) | Judge Thatcher |
| 1971–1972 | Alias Smith and Jones (TV Series) | Doc Snively | August Binford |
| 1970–1972 | Love, American Style (TV Series) | Phobit (segment "Love and the Christmas Punch") | Tom (segment "Love and the Trip") |
| 1972 | The Great Man's Whiskers (TV Movie) | Andrew Hogan |
| 1972 | Harvey (TV Movie) | Dr. William R, Chumley |
| 1971–1972 | The Jimmy Stewart Show (TV Series) | Dr. Luther Quince |
| 1971 | The Police (TV Movie) | General |
| 1971 | The Virginian (TV Series) | John Timothy Driscoll |
| 1971 | Lawman | Sabbath Mayor Sam Bolden |
| 1971 | The Name of the Game (TV Series) | Walt Terry |
| 1971 | Who Killed the Mysterious Mr. Foster? (TV Movie) | Judge Hathaway |
| 1971 | The Feminist and the Fuzz (TV Movie) | Warren Sorensen |
| 1971 | Bewitched (TV Series) | Bernard Bobbins |
| 1971 | Julia (TV Series) | Sam Stone |
| 1970 | The Doris Day Show (TV Series) | Chief Fleming |
| 1970 | The Front Page (TV Movie) | Mayor |
| 1969 | The Littlest Angel (TV Movie) | Angel of the Peace |
| 1969 | Mirror, Mirror Off the Wall (TV Movie) | Brock |
| 1969 | Midnight Cowboy | Mr. O'Daniel |
| 1968 | The High Chaparral (TV Series) | Ebenezer Binns |
| 1967 | Fitzwilly | Albert |
| 1967 | The Wild Wild West (TV Series) | Elisha Calamander |
| 1967 | The Spirit Is Willing | Uncle George |
| 1967 | Mr. Terrific (TV Series) | Barton J. Reed |
| 1966 | I Dream of Jeannie (TV Series) | Wilfred |
| 1966 | Gilligan's Island (TV Series) | Lord Beasley Waterford |
| 1966 | The Phyllis Diller Show (TV Series) | General Cannon |
| 1966 | The Glass Bottom Boat | Ralph Goodwin |
| 1966 | The Farmer's Daughter (TV Series) | Harry Marshall |
| 1966 | Gidget (TV Series) | Franklin Whiting |
| 1966 | Made in Paris | Roger Barclay |
| 1966 | The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (TV Series) | Mr. Mozart |
| 1966 | The Trials of O'Brien (TV Series) | Ben Gully |
| 1966 | Honey West (TV Series) | Mr. Brillig |
| 1965 | The Dick Van Dyke Show (TV Series) | Ollie Wheelright |
| 1965 | Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (TV Series) | Alexander Corby |
| 1965 | Marriage on the Rocks | Shad Nathan |
| 1964–1965 | Many Happy Returns (TV Series) | Walter Burnley |
| 1965 | The Rogues (TV Series) | Horatio T. White |
| 1964 | Low Man on a Totem Pole (TV Movie) | Mr. Turnbull |
| 1962–1964 | The DuPont Show of the Week (TV Series) | G.F. Springer | C.P. Ballinger |
| 1963–1964 | The Patty Duke Show (TV Series) | J.R. Castle |
| 1963–1964 | The Great Adventure (TV Series) | General Claiborne | John Stack |
| 1964 | The Fugitive (TV Series) | Jake Devlin |
| 1963–1964 | The Twilight Zone (TV Series) | Roswell G. Flemington | Shannon |
| 1964 | The Beverly Hillbillies (TV Series) | Justin Addison |
| 1964 | Destry (TV Series) | Spink |
| 1962–1964 | The Lucy Show (TV Series) | Judge | Mr. Irwin |
| 1964 | Man's Favorite Sport? | William Cadwalader |
| 1964 | A Global Affair | Mr. Snifter |
| 1963 | Who's Minding the Store? | Mr. John P. Tuttle |
| 1963 | Mr. Novak (TV Series) | Charles Edward Chase |
| 1963 | Take Her, She's Mine | Hector G. Ivor |
| 1963 | Johnny Cool | Oscar B. 'Oby' Hinds |
| 1963 | My Six Loves | Judge Harris |
| 1962–1963 | McKeever and the Colonel (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1963 | Ensign O'Toole (TV Series) | Arthur Ainsley |
| 1962 | Something's Got to Give (Short) | The Judge |
| 1962 | Who's Got the Action? | Judge Fogel |
| 1955–1962 | The United States Steel Hour (TV Series) | Mr. Arnold | George Merryman |
| 1962 | The Eleventh Hour (TV Series) | Gramps |
| 1962 | Period of Adjustment | Stewart P. McGill |
| 1962 | The Manchurian Candidate | Senator Thomas Jordan |
| 1962 | Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation | Martin Turner |
| 1962 | Alcoa Premiere (TV Series) | Tyler |
| 1962 | The Dick Powell Theatre (TV Series) | Professor Mumford |
| 1961 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Col. Jonathan Bragg |
| 1961 | Bachelor in Paradise | Austin Palfrey |
| 1961 | Cain's Hundred (TV Series) | Lenny Bircher |
| 1961 | Breakfast at Tiffany's | Tiffany's Salesman |
| 1961 | Love in a Goldfish Bowl | Dr. Frawley |
| 1961 | 'Way Out (TV Series) | Mr. Rana |
| 1961 | The Americans (TV Series) | Col. Allen |
| 1961 | The Barbara Stanwyck Show (TV Series) | Collins |
| 1961 | The Aquanauts (TV Series) | Professor Orlando Twamley |
| 1961 | Peter Loves Mary (TV Series) | Mr. Fairfield |
| 1960 | The Tab Hunter Show (TV Series) | Mr. Kleeber |
| 1960 | Moment of Fear (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1960 | Play of the Week (TV Series) | Rollo McKittridge |
| 1960 | Adventures in Paradise (TV Series) | Mannheim |
| 1960 | Sunday Showcase (TV Series) | Chris |
| 1959 | The Gazebo | Sam Thorpe |
| 1959 | The DuPont Show of the Month (TV Series) | Mr. Sowerberry |
| 1959 | Five Fingers (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | The Catholic Hour (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | Lux Playhouse (TV Series) | MacBain |
| 1958–1959 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Arthur Motherwell | Harold George Goames |
| 1958 | The Major and the Minor (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1958 | Once Upon a Horse... | Mr. Tharp |
| 1958 | The Investigator (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Mr. Smith |
| 1958 | Omnibus (TV Series) | Tappercoom |
| 1958 | I Married a Woman | Girard |
| 1957 | Matinee Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1957 | Lux Video Theatre (TV Series) | Voice (off camera) | Sir Reggie |
| 1957 | Love in the Afternoon | Monsieur X |
| 1957 | Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot (Short) | 1st Planter |
| 1957 | The Man in the Raincoat | O'Brien |
| 1952–1957 | Kraft Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1956 | The Alcoa Hour (TV Series) | Two Gentlemen | Mr. Bernhard |
| 1955–1956 | Playwrights '56 (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955–1956 | Goodyear Playhouse (TV Series) | Hopkins | Akhbar Ben Nhadki |
| 1955 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Akbar ben Nhadki |
| 1955 | The Elgin Hour (TV Series) | Gubbins |
| 1955 | Studio One (TV Series) | Harold | Customs Inspector Darrell |
