William McGhee (actor)

William McGhee (July 24 1930 – February 17 2007) was an African-American stage, film and television actor. He was also known professionally as Bill McGee, Bill McGhee and William Bill McGhee.

Early years

Born in Mexia, Texas, McGhee lived in Dallas his entire life. His love for the arts began at age 12 while tap dancing in the streets of Dallas. Those endeavors led to participating in local community theatre activities and landing leading roles at Lincoln High School.

Hotel bombing

In June 1947, aged 16, McGhee held an elevator operator job at the Baker Hotel in downtown Dallas, which was infamously bombed. He was temporarily reported as “dead” in the media, but he survived. He suffered amnesia, but was fully restored to health. He resumed his quest for the theatre and his unique odyssey of life continued.

Korean War

He served his country as Army Corporal in the 31st Unit division in the Korean War, and performed for the troops at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. After his honorable discharge he returned to performing at the Dallas Theater Center’s Janus Players. In 1954, he broke racial barriers and was the first African-American actor to perform professionally on the Dallas stage in roles without racial requirements.

He was one of the first unionized African-American actors in Dallas with SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).

He acted in over 35 theater productions and stage plays,and more than 15 films, including "Curse of the Swamp Creature" and "The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald".

Film/TV appearances

*"Riverbend" (1988)
*"On Valentine's Day" (1986)
*"Solo Song For Doc" (1985)
*"1918" (1985)
*"Drive-In" (1976)
*"Slick Silver" (1974)
*"The Forgotten/Don't Look In The Basement" (1973) (as William Bill McGhee)
*"Quadroon" (1972)
*"Fair Play" (1972) (TV)
*"Curse of the Swamp Creature" (1966) (TV) (as Bill McGee)
*"High Yellow" (1965)
*"The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald" (1964) (as William McGhee) *"Witness"
*"Free, White and 21" (1963) (as Bill McGee)

Death

McGhee died from breast cancer, aged 76, by wife, civil rights activist, Ina Daniels McGhee of The Civil Rights Twins, son, Derek McGhee, and daughter, actress/director/producer, Dawn McGhee in his native Dallas.

Links

* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569183/ IMDb]
* [http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/mcghee-obit/ Obit]
* [http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/tobolowskyobit/ Eulogy by Tobolowsky excerpt]