John McIntire: Biography

The son of a lawyer, John McIntire was born in Washington and raised in Montana, developing a taste for the life of a rancher before confining himself to the environs of the theater. Upon graduating from U.S.C., McIntire briefly went to sea, then sought out work as a stage and radio actor. He married his future frequent co-star, Jeanette Nolan, in 1935; their son was the late actor Tim McIntire. Entering films in 1948, McIntire contributed a rich variety of characterizations, ranging from the police chief in The Asphalt Jungle (1950) to the irascible dog owner in Turner & Hooch (1989). He was also a powerful, steely eyed villain in three Anthony Mann-directed Westerns: Winchester 73 (1950), The Far Country (1955), and The Tin Star (1957). John McIntire's television work included the first season of The Naked City (he was spectacularly killed off at the beginning of season two, a rarity for TV-series regulars); in addition, he replaced Ward Bond as the wagonmaster on Wagon Train in 1961, and did the same for Lee J. Cobb as the ranch owner on The Virginian in 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide