Don McGuire (actor)


Don McGuire was an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer known for his roles such as playing Congo Bill from DC Comics in the 1948 Congo Bill serial.

Early years

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin C. Rose, McGuire graduated from Senn High School, where he participated in four sports. Following studies at the University of Iowa, he played semi-pro baseball in Evansville, Indiana, for a year, after which he began working at a newspaper as a copy boy. He progressed from that job to become a photographer and a reporter.

Career

McGuire worked at a newspaper in Chicago but let that job to enlist in the Army in 1941. He was a military police first sergeant, serving in the Aleutian Islands until 1944. Back injuries ended his military service, and when he returned to civilian life, he worked in public relations in Hollywood, eventually opening his own business. While he was trying to secure a film role for his girlfriend, the director offered him a job instead.
Mcguire's acting debut came in San Antonio. He went on to act in The Fuller Brush Man and Armored Car Robbery, among other films. While acting, he also worked on several screenplays including Meet Danny Wilson and Bad Day at Black Rock. Towards the end of his career, He directed three films Johnny Concho, The Delicate Delinquent, and Hear Me Good.

Personal life

McGuire married Karen X. Gaylord on August 15, 1948.

Death

McGuire died on April 13, 1999, in Los Angeles, California.

Recognition

McGuire was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for co-writing Tootsie. He also won Screenwriters Guild Awards for his work on that film and on Bad Day at Black Rock.