John McIntire was a rugged and dependable actor, with a strong, craggy face and a steely gaze, who made a lasting impression on the screen. Born in Spokane, Washington in 1907, he was the son of a lawyer and grew up on a family homestead in Montana, where he learned to ride and raise broncos.
After two years at the University of Southern California, McIntire spent some time at sea before turning his attention to the stage and eventually becoming a radio announcer. He gained a significant following announcing on the "March of Time" broadcasts, showcasing his versatility and range.
In the late 1940s, McIntire made the move to Hollywood, where he found success in a range of films, including westerns and film noir. He often played strong, principled characters, such as politicians, ranchers, and lawmen, who were known for their integrity and worldly wisdom. He appeared in films such as "Black Bart," "Down to the Sea in Ships," "The Asphalt Jungle," "Scene of the Crime," "Ambush," "Saddle Tramp," and "The World in His Arms."
However, McIntire's versatility was also showcased in two westerns directed by Anthony Mann, in which he played more complex and nuanced characters. He also appeared in a kind-hearted role in "The Tin Star."
In the late 1950s, McIntire found success on television, becoming a familiar face in several classic western series. He played Christopher Hale in the popular series "Wagon Train" after the death of the show's original star, Ward Bond, and then took over the role of Clay Grainger in "The Virginian" after the death of Charles Bickford.
McIntire's deep, resonant voice was often used for narration and documentaries, and he and his wife, actress Jeanette Nolan, became a beloved and iconic couple in the western genre, appearing together in numerous films and television shows over the course of their long careers. They were married for 56 years until McIntire's death from emphysema in 1991, and were preceded in death by their son, Tim McIntire, who died of heart problems in 1986.
