Tom McGreevey

Tom McGreevey
McGreevey in 1988
Born
Thomas Aquinas McGreevey

(1932-07-21)July 21, 1932
Brooklyn, New York
DiedMay 20, 2024(2024-05-20) (aged 91)
Cincinnati, Ohio
EducationAcademy of Dramatic Arts
Alma materUniversity of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne
Occupationsactor, writer, editor, art director
Years active1959 - 1997

Thomas "Tom" Aquinas McGreevey (July 21, 1932 – May 20, 2024) was an American actor who worked in theater, television, commercials, and feature films. His career spanned four decades from the late 1950s to the late 1990s. He is best remembered for his role as “Mr. Patches” on the long-running children’s program, The Uncle Al Show. Additionally, he worked for many years as an editor and art director in greeting cards, at both American Greetings and Gibson Greetings (Cincinnati, Ohio). After retiring from acting, McGreevey wrote books and articles about film history. In 2024, McGreevey died at age 91.[1]

Early life

Tom McGreevey was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Kathryn (Hart)[2] and Donald E. McGreevey, a buyer for the Roman Catholic Orphan’s Society.[3] His parents met while performing in an amateur stage production for the benefit of St. Catherine of Genoa’s parish, Brooklyn. Within a few months, they were married and, eventually, settled in Baldwin, Long Island.[4]

At 18, McGreevey enlisted in the Marine Corps from 1950 to 1954, serving in Korea and Japan.[5] Subsequently, he enrolled in and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City[6] and continued his dramatic training with Shakespearean scholar Charles H. Shattuck at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne.[7] At the university, McGreevey appeared in many plays, including the role of Sir Toby Belch in Shattuck's 1961 production of Twelfth Night.[8]

Career

1960s–1970s: Early career in theater and radio hosting

In the early 1960s, McGreevey used the stage name "Thom McGreevey," performing in summer stock with Ohio's Peninsula Players, where he starred as Chris in Arthur Miller's All My Sons,[9] and at the Karamu House (Cleveland, Ohio), where he appeared in In Splendid Error[10] and Purlie Victorious.[11]

Leaving Cleveland for Cincinnati, McGreevey hosted a late-night radio show known as "Jelly Pudding" on the progressive rock station WEBN-FM (Cincinnati) and later at WDAI-FM (Chicago).[12]

In the early 1970s, he transitioned to television, appearing as "Mr. Patches" on the long-running children's program, The Uncle Al Show (WCPO-TV, Cincinnati).[13] In addition to providing educational segments for Uncle Al, McGreevey was the puppeteer and voice for a dozen puppets, including Mother Goose.

"Mr. Patches" quickly became a local celebrity, entertaining in a patchwork jacket. As "Mr. Patches," McGreevey participated in many community activities, from Girl Scout cookie eating contests[14] and appearances with Santa Claus[15] to numerous fundraisers, such as the annual auction for PBS station WCET[16] and the March of Dimes.[17] He was featured in the opening shows of the Cincinnati Coliseum (Heritage Bank Center) in 1975[18] and the 1976 Bicentennial Summer Celebration at Fountain Square.[19] He also appeared weekly on WCPO's Sunday morning children's show, "Play it Safe," hosted by police officer Bob Morgan.[20]

Before leaving Cincinnati, McGreevey appeared in a television pilot, The Yellow Bus, produced as a possible daytime series with a target audience of 6 - 12 year olds. Singer Larry Groce, later featured on many records for Disney, starred as a guide working at Kings Island amusement park. McGreevey provided the voice for and operated Groce's sidekick, a puppet named "Hot Rod," created by Hanna-Barbera’s Charles DeMuth. The show was designed to feature local talent and Kings Island; however, CBS did not pick up the series. [21]

In the late 1970s, McGreevey returned to New York City and began working on several soap operas, including Edge of Night,[22] All My Children,[23] and Love of Life.[24] There, he also appeared in regional commercials, including one for Belmont Race Track,[25] as well as in commercials and in print ads for many national brands, such as AARP, McDonald's, Budweiser, and Lipton, playing a plain-spoken New Englander opposite Don Meredith.[26]

1980s–1989: Return to theater and television

In the 1980s, McGreevey returned to legitimate theater, appearing in two productions at the Melrose Theater in Los Angeles: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1981), directed by William Shatner,[27] and A Case of Libel (1983).[28]

Later in 1983, McGreevey was cast in Alienated Affections/Land of the Blind at the Church of Scientology owned Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles.[29] In 1984, he had a leading role in Couple of the Year, mounted at the Lambs Theater in Manhattan, directed by long-term artistic director of the Cincinnati Playhouse, Edward Stern.[30]

During 1986–1987, he was cast as Harry in the Arizona Theatre Company production of the Edward Albee play A Delicate Balance, playing Phoenix and Tucson.[31]

Concurrently, McGreevey also worked regularly in episodic television, notably: Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Remington Steele, Simon & Simon, Hunter, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law.[32]

During his first ten weeks in Los Angeles, McGreevey was cast in four commercials and appeared in the series Soap.[33] In 1983, he was featured on the television series Fame, playing Tom Reardon, the father of regular David Reardon (Morgan Stevens), the high school's drama coach.[34] And, in 1987, McGreevey was a guest star on The Golden Girls, playing the veterinarian who examines the pig inherited by Rose Nyland (Betty White).[35]

Also, while in Los Angeles, McGreevey appeared on General Hospital as the Scottish minister who married characters Duke Lavery and Anna Devane in 1987.[36]

1989–1991: Acting in feature films

Tom McGreevey as "The Uncle," in The Favorite (1989)

McGreevey was featured in the following made-for-television movies and mini-series: Killer in the Mirror;[37] Rock Hudson;[38] Shakedown on the Sunset Strip;[39] Polly (Disney's 1989 remake of Pollyanna);[40] An Inconvenient Woman, based on the novel by Dominick Dunne;[41] and Lady Against the Odds,[42] for which director/cinematographer Bradford Mays won an Emmy in 1992 (Cinematography for a Miniseries). He also appeared in the pilot for Shannon's Deal, written by John Sayles and directed by Lewis Teague.[43]

The Emmy-winning short Ziggy's Gift teamed McGreevey with Ziggy's creator and former American Greetings colleague, Tom Wilson. McGreevey provided the voice for "Officer O'Connor."[44]

His work in feature films includes: The Favorite (1989) starring F. Murray Abraham; Angel Town (1990), the film debut of kickboxer Olivier Gruner;[45] and The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991), in which McGreevey's character was credited as: "Very well, sir. It's from the lady."[46] In Airplane II: The Sequel, McGreevey's role as "Karl Malden" (spoofing Malden's ads for American Express Travelers checks) was cut from the final release but can be seen in the film's trailer.[47]

Despite a talent for comedy, McGreevey was typecast as ministers, doctors, judges and administrators. A notable exception was his stage performance in Neil Simon's God's Favorite (Marimont Players, 1973).[48]

1992: Writing and film preservation

In 1992, McGreevey retired from acting, returning to writing and editing. In addition to authoring several articles about film history, he is the co-author of the book Movie Westerns, an introduction to the genre for middle school readers, and Our Movie Heritage, which argues for the importance of film preservation.[49]

McGreevey was also a member of MENSA, SAG and AFTRA.[50]

Death

On May 20, 2024, McGreevey died at the age of 91, in Cincinnati, Ohio.[51]

Filmography

Bibliography

  • Yeck, Joanne L. and Tom McGreevey (1994). Movie Westerns. Lerner Publications. p 80. ISBN 9780822516439.
  • McGreevey, Tom and Yeck, Joanne L. (1997). Our Movie Heritage. Rutgers University Press. p 184. ISBN 9780813524313.

References

  1. ^ Kiesewetter, John. (June 3, 2024). "Actor, DJ Tom "Mr. Patches" McGreevey dies at 91." WVXU (NPR). Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  2. ^ “Mrs. Donald McGreevey Laid to Rest Tuesday.” (January 11, 1936). The Brooklyn Tablet. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-9-7.
  3. ^ “5,000 Children Will Parade.” (April 25, 1936). The Brooklyn Tablet. p.1. Retrieved 2025-9-7.
  4. ^ “From the Managing Editor’s Desk.” (January 11, 1936). p. 9. Retrieved 2025-9-7.
  5. ^ Sanderson, Emily (May 31, 2024)."Beloved actor known as 'Mr. Patches' from Cincinnati's Uncle Al show dies at 91." WLWT. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  6. ^ Wood, Mary (January 12, 1978). "Barnaby' becomes song-dance man. McGreevey gets role." Cincinnati Post. p. 23. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  7. ^ Saxon, Wolfgang (September 23, 1992). "Charles H. Shattuck, 81, Shakespearean Scholar." New York Times. B:7. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  8. ^ "1,400 High Schoolers To Attend Special Matinees of 'Twelfth Night'." (January 7, 1961), The Daily Illini. p 4. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  9. ^ "Peninsula Players Excell in Drama; 'All My Sons'." (August 25, 1961) Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  10. ^ "John Brown Again Marches at Karamu" (January 21, 1962) Cleveland Plain Dealer. p 162. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  11. ^ "Lively Segregation Spoof Opens at Karamu Tuesday" (September 23, 1962) Cleveland Plain Dealer. p 171. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  12. ^ "Mr. Patches Once WEBN-FM 'Jelly Pudding' Music Host'" (August 7, 1974). Cincinnati Enquirer p 71. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  13. ^ Kiesewetter, John. (November 1, 2022). "Put your toys away, don't delay! WCPO has an 'Uncle Al' retrospective on the way." WVXU (NPR). Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  14. ^ "A Fine Collection of media personalities. . . ." (January 16, 1976). Cincinnati Enquirer. p 8. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  15. ^ Southern Ohio Bank Advertisement (December 6, 1974) Cincinnati Post. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  16. ^ "WCET auction" (April 21, 1973) Cincinnati Post. p 51. Retrieved 2024-06-08.
  17. ^ "Wheelathon for Youngsters to Benefit March of Dimes" (August 10, 1975). Cincinnati Enquirer. p 32. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  18. ^ Hoffman, Steve. (September 18, 1975). "Worthwhile Bumps for Uncle Al's Pal" Cincinnati Enquirer. p 27. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  19. ^ "City to celebrate Fourth on land, air, water" (June 30, 1976) Cincinnati Post. p 23. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  20. ^ Play it Safe." Lost Cincinnati. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  21. ^ Hoffman, Steve (October 28, 1977). "Taft Trio Will Make CBS Children’s Pilot." Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 39. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
  22. ^ "TV, Radio Simulcast UA Promotion" (September 12, 1978) Cincinnati Enquirer. p 4. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
  23. ^ Wood, Mary (January 12, 1978). "Barnaby."
  24. ^ Hirsch, Lynda. (February 25, 1979). "'Another World' has brave new look." The Cleveland Plain Dealer. p. 98. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  25. ^ Gardner, Jani (May 4, 1978) "Patches progress," Cincinnati Post. p 20. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  26. ^ Stevens, Dale (September 6, 1984)."Sleep Out Louie's to reopen as Caddy's," Cincinnati Post. p 31. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  27. ^ "Coming Attractions." (September 4, 1981) News-Pilot. p 39. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  28. ^ "'A Case of Libel' At Melrose." (June 24, 1983) Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  29. ^ "'Affections' at Celebrity Centre" (December 2, 1983) Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  30. ^ Raidy, William A. (August 15, 1984). "'Couple of the Year' is painfully artificial." Staten Island Advance. p 27. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  31. ^ Campbell, Bob. (December 5, 1986)."'A Delicate Balance' is stunning. Disturbing play is excellently, gracefully acted." Arizona Daily Star. p 43. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  32. ^ Tom McGreevey Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  33. ^ Stevens, Dale (March 28, 1981). "Two transplanted locals seeking success in L.A." Cincinnati Post. p 24. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
  34. ^ "Isn’t That Mr. Patches?" (April 28, 1983). Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 52. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
  35. ^ The Golden Girls – Season 3, Episode 3.
  36. ^ Sammons, Mary Beth (November 3, 1987). "For Better ... and Worse: The Making of Storybook Weddings," Soap Opera Digest. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  37. ^ TCM: Killer in the Mirror Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  38. ^ TCM: Rock Hudson Retrieved 2025-009-1.
  39. ^ TCM: Shakedown on the Sunset Strip Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  40. ^ TCM: Polly Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  41. ^ TCM: An Inconvenient Woman Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  42. ^ TCM: Lady Against the Odds Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  43. ^ TCM: Shannon’s Deal Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  44. ^ TV GUIDE: Ziggy's Gift Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  45. ^ TCM: Angel Town Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  46. ^ TCM: The Naked Gun 2 ½: The Smell of Fear Retrieved 2025-08-29.
  47. ^ Airplane II: The Sequel, trailer Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  48. ^ "'God's Favorite' Opens Players' Season" (September 13, 1976) Cincinnati Enquirer. B-11. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  49. ^ Stenson, Eric (December 14, 1997). "Serious preservation, not movie magic." Central New Jersey Home News. p 38. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  50. ^ Stevens, Dale (March 28, 1981)."Two Transplanted locals Seeking Success," Cincinnati Post. p 24. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  51. ^ Jordan, Felicia (May 31, 2024). "Uncle Al Show's 'Mr. Patches' actor Tom McGreevey dies at 91." WCPO, Channel 9, Cincinnati. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Tom_McGreevey