McCormick created the character of wheeler-dealer, Luther Billis, in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, South Pacific. He was the only cast member of the Broadway smash "South Pacific" to remain with the show for all 1,925 performances. He won a 1950 Tony Award for his portrayal of sailor Luther Billis. He later was featured on Broadway from 1955-1957 in the military comedy "No Time For Sergeants" and repeated his role as Sergeant King for the 1958 film version starring Andy Griffith.
To movie audiences, he is possibly best remembered from 1961's "The Hustler" as Charlie, the partner of pool shark Fast Freddie Felson, played by Paul Newman.
McCormick was an alumnus of Princeton University, where he was a Phi Beta Kappa. He became a featured performer in many popular radio dramas of the 1940s. He also made guest appearances on numerous television programs of the 1950'/early 1960s, including The Untouchables, Naked City, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Way Out.
Thou a lifelong professional, Mr. McCormick never completely conquered his early bouts with stage fright; an actor who worked with McCormick in his last years remembered how the veteran player would sit backstage trembling like a leaf before making his entrance.
McCormick created the character of wheeler-dealer, Luther Billis, in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, South Pacific. He was the only cast member of the Broadway smash "South Pacific" to remain with the show for all 1,925 performances. He won a 1950 Tony Award for his portrayal of sailor Luther Billis. He later was featured on Broadway from 1955-1957 in the military comedy "No Time For Sergeants" and repeated his role as Sergeant King for the 1958 film version starring Andy Griffith.
To movie audiences, he is possibly best remembered from 1961's "The Hustler" as Charlie, the partner of pool shark Fast Freddie Felson, played by Paul Newman.
McCormick was an alumnus of Princeton University, where he was a Phi Beta Kappa. He became a featured performer in many popular radio dramas of the 1940s. He also made guest appearances on numerous television programs of the 1950'/early 1960s, including The Untouchables, Naked City, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Way Out.
Thou a lifelong professional, Mr. McCormick never completely conquered his early bouts with stage fright; an actor who worked with McCormick in his last years remembered how the veteran player would sit backstage trembling like a leaf before making his entrance.
Bio by: Jane
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