John McGiver facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John McGiver
McGiver in Many Happy Returns (1964)
Born	John Irwin McGiver (1913-11-05)November 5, 1913 New York City, U.S.
Died	September 9, 1975(1975-09-09) (aged 61) West Fulton, New York, U.S.
Education	Fordham University Columbia University Catholic University of America
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1955–1975
Spouse(s)	Ruth Schmigelsky ​ (m. 1947)​
Children	10, including actor Boris McGiver
Military career
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Unit	7th Armored Division
Battles/wars	World War II

John Irwin McGiver (born November 5, 1913 – died September 9, 1975) was an American actor. He appeared in over a hundred movies and TV shows. His acting career lasted for two decades, from 1955 to 1975.

McGiver was known for his unique look, often playing characters who were a bit formal or stuck-up. He had a special way of speaking that made him perfect for roles like English gentlemen or important officials. You might recognize him from movies like Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). He also appeared in many TV shows and commercials, including a famous one for American Express.

Early Life and Education

John McGiver was born in Manhattan, New York City. His parents were immigrants from Ireland. He went to Regis High School in Manhattan and graduated in 1932.

He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Fordham University in 1938. He also got master's degrees from Columbia University and Catholic University. Before becoming a full-time actor, he worked as an English teacher. He also acted and directed plays in New York.

Military Service and Teaching

During World War II, John McGiver joined the U.S. Army in 1942. He served as an officer in the 7th Armored Division in Europe. After the war, he returned to civilian life.

He continued to teach English and speech at Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx. He also acted in some plays outside of Broadway. In 1955, he decided to become a full-time actor.

Acting Career Highlights

John McGiver appeared in many popular TV shows. He was in episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Twilight Zone. In 1971, he guest-starred in Alias Smith and Jones.

From 1963 to 1964, McGiver played J.R. Castle in five episodes of The Patty Duke Show. His character was the boss of Martin Lane at a fictional newspaper.

Some of his most famous movie roles were in the early 1960s. He played Senator Jordan in The Manchurian Candidate. He was also a kind jewelry salesman in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Later, he appeared in Midnight Cowboy (1969) and Mame (1974). He even made an appearance on Gilligan's Island in 1966.

Personal Life and Family

McGiver with his wife Ruth and children on Christmas, 1964.

John McGiver married Ruth Schmigelsky in 1947. They were married until his death. They had a large family with ten children: Brigit, Maria, Terry, Basil, Clare, Oliver, Ian, Clemens, Boris, and Cornelia.

One of his children, Boris McGiver, also became a professional actor. Boris has appeared in films and on television since 1987.

Death

John McGiver passed away at his home in West Fulton, New York. He was 61 years old when he died from a heart attack on September 9, 1975. His body was cremated.

Selected Film Roles

John McGiver appeared in many films. Here are some of them:

• Love in the Afternoon (1957)
• The Gazebo (1959)
• Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
• Bachelor in Paradise (1961)
• Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)
• The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
• Who's Got the Action? (1962)
• My Six Loves (1963)
• Take Her, She's Mine (1963)
• Who's Minding the Store? (1963)
• Man's Favorite Sport? (1964)
• Marriage on the Rocks (1965)
• Made in Paris (1966)
• The Glass Bottom Boat (1966)
• Midnight Cowboy (1969)
• Lawman (1971)
• Mame (1974)
• The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

Television Appearances

McGiver was a regular actor on several TV shows:

• McKeever & the Colonel (1962–1963) (6 episodes)
• Many Happy Returns (1964–1965) (26 episodes) as Walter Burnley
• Mr. Terrific (1967) (17 episodes) as Barton J. Reed
• The Jimmy Stewart Show (1971–1972) (24 episodes) as Dr. Luther Quince

He also made guest appearances on many other shows, including:

• Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1958-1959)
• The Tab Hunter Show (1960)
• Bonanza (1961)
• The Twilight Zone (1963-1964)
• The Lucy Show (1963-1964)
• The Patty Duke Show (1963-1964)
• The Fugitive (1964)
• The Beverly Hillbillies (1964)
• The Rogues (1965)
• Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1965)
• The Dick Van Dyke Show (1965)
• Gidget (1966)
• The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1966)
• I Dream of Jeannie (1966)
• Gilligan's Island (1966)
• Honey West (1966)
• The Wild Wild West (1967)
• The High Chaparral (1968)
• Bewitched (1971)
• Alias Smith and Jones (1971-1972)
• Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974) (voice role)
• Ellery Queen (1975) (his final appearance)

Stage Performances

John McGiver also performed in plays on Broadway theatre. Some of his roles included:

• A Thurber Carnival, 1960
• The Front Page, 1969–1970