NEW YORK CITY, July 7, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Actor John McMartin, who starred on Broadway in such shows as “Follies” and “Sweet Charity,” has died. He was 86.
McMartin’s manager, Tony Cloer, posted on Twitter the actor died of cancer in New York surrounded by his family and his longtime companion, Charlotte Moore.
McMartin was a multitalented actor, who was equally at home in plays and musicals.
In 1961, McMartin made his Broadway debut in “The Conquering Hero.” He also performed in “Blood Sweat and Stanley Poole” before originating his Tony Award winning role of Oscar in “Sweet Charity” in 1966. Three years later, he reprised his performance for the film adaptation starring Shirley MacLaine.
McMartin was Tony nominated for his role as the narrator in the 2002 revival of the musical “Into the Woods.”
Other Broadway credits include the 2011 revival of “Anything Goes,” “A Free Man of Color” in 2010 and “Grey Gardens” in 2006.
According to his bio, McMartin appeared in the Cole Porter musical “Happy New Year” in 1980 and later starred as Cap’n Andy in a 1994 revival of “Show Boat.”
McMartin originated the role of Ben Stone in Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.”
The actor worked on stage well into his 80s, his final role was portraying Sen. Richard Russell in “All the Way,” a work focusing on Lyndon B. Johnson and starring Bryan Cranston in 2013.
McMartin also appeared in film and on television. He was seen in the film “All the President’s Men,” starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman. McMartin also guested on such shows as “Murder, She Wrote,” “Oz,” “Touched by an Angel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
