John McCollum was an American actor who is best known for Amahl and the Night Visitors, We Won’t Grow Old Together, and Festival.
Personal and Family Life
John McCollum was born on February 21, 1922, in Coalinga, California. He married Mary Margaret Wilson on January 23, 1944, and they had two children named Kristi Elizabeth and Timothy James. He had a varied career, serving as a fighter pilot and flight instructor in the US Navy during World War II before pursuing a career in singing.
Education and Career
After the war, McCollum completed his degree in journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. He initially worked as a journalist and magazine publisher before deciding to focus on singing, eventually securing first place in the American Theater Wing’s singing contest in 1952. In 1962, he began teaching voice at the University of Michigan and continued until his retirement in 1988.
Death and Legacy
John McCollum passed away on October 30, 2015, in Sarasota, Florida. His contributions to both the arts and education are remembered by many, and he left behind a legacy of artistic achievement, especially in the realm of musical theater.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Trouble with Junia | 1967 | Old Age Pensioner |
| Amahl and the Night Visitors | 1963 | Kaspar |
| Festival | 1963 | Cassio |
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| We Won’t Grow Old Together | 1972 | Soundtrack (“La Creation” (“By thee with grace”)) |