Actor John Cunningham dies at 93 after nearly 70 years on stage and screen

John Cunningham — the dependable character actor whose face and voice became well-known to generations of theatergoers and film enthusiasts — has passed away at the age of 93.

Cunningham died on Tuesday morning at his longtime residence in Rye, New York, located next to the 11th hole of the Rye Golf Club, as confirmed by his family.

His passing signifies the conclusion of an extraordinary career that lasted nearly seven decades and left a lasting impact on Broadway, film, television, and the community he cherished.

Often referred to as a “working actor’s actor,” Cunningham established a legacy based not on fame, but on reliability, skill, and a profound respect for the craft of acting.

“In theater you get to do it again, and again, and again,” he shared with Playbill in 1997. “My whole pleasure is trying to get better… Be prepared to be alive.”

A Broadway staple and humble giant of the stage