Walter McGinn

Biography

Walter Vincent McGinn Jr. was born on July 6, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island. He pursued higher education at Boston University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Fine Arts. His passion for the arts led him to a career in acting, initially making his mark on the stage.

Stage Career

McGinn's theatrical journey began with his Off-Broadway debut in 1963 in The Winter's Tale at the Delacorte Theater. He made his Broadway debut in 1964 in The Subject Was Roses at the Helen Hayes Theater. His stage credits include performances in That Championship Season, The Iceman Cometh, and Henry V. In 1972, he received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance for his role in That Championship Season.

Film and Television Career

McGinn transitioned to film and television in the 1970s, securing roles in several notable productions. His film credits include The Parallax View (1974), Farewell, My Lovely (1975), Three Days of the Condor (1975), and Bobby Deerfield (1977). 

On television, he appeared in series such as Kojak, Serpico, and Medical Center, and made a significant impact with his portrayal of Louis Howe in the television film Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years (1977), earning a posthumous Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Special.

Personal Life and Legacy

McGinn was married to Robyn Goodman on May 2, 1976. Tragically, he passed away on March 31, 1977, at the age of 40, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Los Angeles. Despite his brief career, McGinn's contributions to the arts left a lasting impression, and he is remembered for his talent and dedication to his craft.