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Who Was John Cunningham? Actor Known for Dead Poets Society Dies at 93

John Cunningham had a career spanning nearly 70 years with 15 Broadway credits and roles in iconic films including Dead Poets Society and Mystic Pizza.

  • On January 6, 2026, John Cunningham, veteran Broadway and film actor, died at age 93 at his home beside the Rye Golf Club 11th hole, his family announced.
  • Cunningham's career spanned nearly 70 years, including 15 Broadway credits such as Cabaret, 1776, Company, and supporting roles in Mystic Pizza and Dead Poets Society.
  • He earned a master's from Yale Drama School and studied alongside his lifelong friend Dick Cavett, then at 27 broke through in My Fair Lady and later made his Broadway debut in Hot Spot.
  • Survivors include his wife of nearly 70 years, Carolyn Cotton Cunningham, their three children Christopher, Catherine and Laura, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and the family requested donations to the Entertainment Community Fund.
  • Beginning in 1989, he and Frances Sternhagen created the Playwrights and Players series at the Rye High School Performing Arts Center, bringing playwrights Wendy Wasserstein and John Guare, and he recorded two memorable '90s voiceover roles.
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The Hollywood Reporter broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Friday, January 9, 2026.
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