John Cullum Headshot

John Cullum

Birth Place: Knoxville, TN, USA

Get John Cullum Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

John Cullum BIO

Cullum made his Broadway debut as Sir Dinadan in the Alan Jay Lerner/Frederick Loewe musical Camelot in 1960. He also understudied Richard Burton (King Arthur) and Roddy McDowall (Arthur's son Mordred), going on four times when Burton became ill and succeeding McDowall. He went on to play Laertes opposite Burton's 1964 Broadway performance as Hamlet (and in the film version of the production) and in Burton's final Broadway appearance in Noël Coward's Private Lives in 1983.

In 1965, he was called in to replace Louis Jourdan during the Boston tryout of the musical On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. It was his first starring role on Broadway, netting him a Theatre World Award and his first Tony Award nomination. The original cast album received a Grammy Award (presented to lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Burton Lane).

He portrayed Edward Rutledge of South Carolina in the Broadway musical 1776, providing a dramatic highlight with his performance of "Molasses to Rum," a tirade against the hypocrisy of some Northerners over the slave trade ("They don't keep slaves, but they are willing to be considerable carriers of slaves to others. They're willing – for the shilling.") Cullum had been the third Rutledge on Broadway, but played the role the longest and repeated it for the 1972 film.

He is well known for premiering the role of Charlie Anderson in the musical Shenandoah, which began at Goodspeed Opera House, Connecticut in 1974. Cullum won the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards when the show was produced on Broadway in 1975. He also played the role at Wolf Trap, Virginia, in June 1976, opened the national tour for 3 weeks in Fall 1977 in Chicago, and starred in the limited run Broadway revival in 1989.

He followed Shenandoah by playing the maniacal Broadway producer Oscar Jaffee in the 1978 musical On the Twentieth Century, opposite Madeline Kahn and later Judy Kaye, earning his second Tony Award. He received his fourth Tony nomination in 2002 for originating the role of evil moneygrubber corporate president Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown The Musical. He earned his fifth Tony nomination in the 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade, playing H.C. Curry, father to Audra McDonald's Lizzie.

In 2003, Cullum co-starred with Northern Exposure castmate Barry Corbin in Blackwater Elegy, a short film written by Matthew Porter and co-directed by Porter and Joe O'Brien.

Later Broadway appearances include the title role of William Shakespeare's seldom-performed Cymbeline, at Lincoln Center in 2007 and August: Osage County, by Tracy Letts for the week of September 16, 2008, and then since November 11, 2008.

In addition to enjoying a long stage career, he is well known to television audiences for his regular role as Holling Vincoeur on the quirky CBS series Northern Exposure, his extended appearances on the NBC medical drama ER as Mark Greene's father, and on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as constitutional lawyer and later judge, Barry Moredock. Cullum has also appeared as Lucky Strike executive Lee Garner, Sr. on AMC's Mad Men. He appeared as Leap Day William, the embodiment of the fictional Leap Day national holiday, in the "Leap Day" episode of the sixth season of NBC's 30 Rock.

John Cullum appeared on Broadway in The Scottsboro Boys (2010), a musical by Kander and Ebb about a notorious miscarriage of justice in the American South in the 1930s. The Scottsboro Boys was directed by Susan Stroman.

John Cullum was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2007.

In 2015 Cullum appeared and sang in the satirical B&W period movie-musical footage of Daddy's Boy on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The "forgotten footage" features comically incestuous lyrics set in an innocent context that apes classic 1930's films.

Cullum, then an octogenarian, joined the cast of Waitress as Joe on October 12, 2017, replacing Larry Marshall.

John Cullum Photos

John Cullum STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Joe [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2014
Terrence/Terry

[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Production, 2012
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Governor of Alabama

Judge

The Interlocutor

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2010
Interlocutor

Judge

Governor of Alabama

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2007
Cymbeline

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
H. C. Curry

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Old Max

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Atom Roma

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Ol Cap'n'

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Revival, 2005
Voltaire, Dr. Pangloss, Businessman, Governor, 2nd Gambler, Sage

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Walsh McLaren

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2003
Wilder

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Old Wilder

[New York]
New York Concert, 2003
Finian McLonergan

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"This Nearly Was Mine" Performer

"Strangers" Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2001
Caldwell B. Cladwell

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2001
Caldwell B. Cladwell

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Tobias Pfeiffer III/Schulyer Lynch

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Joe Keller

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1994
Cap'n Andy [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1990
George Dillingham [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1989
Charlie Anderson

[Broadway]
1986
Waiter [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1986
Thomas Gray

[Broadway]
1985
Guy

[Broadway]
1983
Victor Prynne

Elyot Chase (Standby)

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Whistler

[Broadway]
1978
Sidney Bruhl [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Oscar Jaffee

[Broadway]
1977
Bobby HorvaTh

[Broadway]
1976
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Charlie Anderson

[Broadway]
1972
Lord Bothwell [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Edward Rutledge [Replacement]

Edward Rutledge [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1966
Denis Sullivan (Bridal Night)

Tom Dorgan (Eternal Triangle)

Father Jerome Fogarty (Frying Pan)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Don Quixote (Cervantes) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Dr. Mark Bruckner

[Broadway]
1964
Laertes

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Timothy

[Broadway]
1963
The Count (Understudy)

Hero (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Cyril Bellamy

[Off-Broadway]
1962
King of France

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1962
Johnny Sykes

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Sir Dinadan

Mordred [Replacement]

Mordred (Understudy)

Arthur (Understudy)

[New York]
Reading, 2000
Dr. Jack Mickler

[Regional (US)]
Workshop, 2000
Dr. Jack Mickler

[Regional (US)]
Goodspeed Revival, 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Performer

John Cullum Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
Producer

John Cullum Movies

All the Way Home
[ 1963 ] Andrew
Hamlet
[ 1964 ] Laertes
Hawaii
[ 1966 ] Rev. Immanuel Quigley
1776
[ 1972 ] Edward Rutledge SC
The Prodigal
[ 1983 ] Elton Stuart
The Act
[ 1983 ] The President
Marie
[ 1985 ] Deputy Attorney General
Sweet Country
[ 1987 ] Ben
The Secret Life of Algernon
[ 1998 ] Algernon Pendleton
Held Up
[ 1999 ] Jack
Ricochet River
[ 2001 ] Link Curren
The Notorious Bettie Page
[ 2005 ] Preacher in Nhville
The Night Listener
[ 2006 ] Pap Noone
The Conspirator
[ 2010 ] Justice Wylie
All Good Things
[ 2010 ] Richard Panatierre
Kilimanjaro
[ 2013 ] Milton Sr
Kill Your Darlings
[ 2013 ] Professor Steeves
Adult World
[ 2013 ] Stan
Before We Go
[ 2014 ] Harry
Love Is Strange
[ 2014 ] Father Raymond
The Historian
[ 2014 ] Brigston Hadley
Christine
[ 2016 ] Bob Anderson
Jungleland
[ 2019 ] Yates
Simchas and Sorrows
[ 2022 ] Nate

John Cullum TV Shows

Buck James
Henry Carliner
ER
David Greene
Law & Order
Bernard Powell, Sr., Harold Dorning
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Defense Attorney Barry Moredock, Judge Barry Moredock
Northern Exposure
Holling Vincoeur, Abe
The Equalizer
Judge Howard Tainey, Stuart Cane
The Middle
Big Mike

John Cullum Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

John CullumThe Conscientious Objector

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

John Cullum, 11 in the Shade

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

John Cullum, Urinetown

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

John Cullum, Urinetown The Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Unique Theatrical Experience

John Cullum , Whistler


winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

John Cullum, On the Twentieth Century


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

John Cullum, Shenandoah


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Performance

John Cullum, Shenandoah


winner
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

John Cullum , Shenandoah


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1966 - Performance

John Cullum, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

John Cullum, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

John Cullum Videos

John Cullum News


SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE MOON to be Presented at the ATA in April


Shakespeare Under the Moon will be presented on the John Cullum stage of the ATA, curated & directed by James Jennings. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Interview: A Most Amiable Joint Effort of James G. Hirsch & Robert A. Papazian to Create LOVE AMONG THE RUINS


James G. Hirsch & Robert A. Papazian’s Love Among the Ruins begins its limited engagement at the El Portal Theatre October 8, 2023 (with previews starting October 6th). Michael Arabian directs the stellar cast of JoBeth Williams and Peter Strauss. After decades in successful careers in television, Love Among the Ruins marks James and Robert’s initial foray into theatre.

New Wave Arts to Present BAUDELAIRE'S PASSION By Henry Keen


Experience the world premiere of Baudelaire's Passion, a surreal tale of love and art, presented by New Wave Arts. This international production features an all-star cast from Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Siberia, Armenia, and the United States. Performances run from September 21-30, 2023, at The John Cullum Theatre in NYC. Book your tickets now!

New Play EGG FRAME to Premiere Off-Broadway at John Cullum Theatre


Discover the thought-provoking play 'Egg Frame' premiering Off-Broadway at the John Cullum Theatre this September. Get your tickets now.

Steven Ditmyer Will Direct BETTINGER'S LUGGAGE at AMT


Producer Laura Elrick is thrilled to announce that acclaimed Meisner Teacher and Director Steven Ditmyer will be directing Al Tapper's Bettinger's Luggage, scheduled to open September 19th, 2023 at AMT Theater.

CAROUSEL Comes To BroadwayHD On April 1


Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel will be available to stream in the US and Canada on BroadwayHD beginning April 1, 2023.

Have Any Broadway Plays Ever Closed Before They Opened?


This month, the reader question was: Have any Broadway plays ever closed before they opened?

Amanda Green, Nick Wyman, and More To Join ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY Reunion


The 45th anniversary reunion of On the Twentieth Century hosted by 15-year-old podcaster Charles Kirsch will include special messages from Amanda Green, daughter of lyricist and bookwriiter Adolph Green, production replacements Jeff Keller and Nick Wyman, understudy Melanie Vaughan and dancer Maris Clement.

Christine Ebersole, Judy Kaye, and More Will Reunite on BACKSTAGE BABBLE


On February 19 at 8 PM EST, Charles Kirsch, the 15-year-old host of the hit theater podcast Backstage Babble, will present a reunion of the 1978 Broadway sensation On the Twentieth Century in honor of the 45th anniversary of its opening night.

Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!


The full cast and creative team has been announced for the brand new Kander & Ebb musical, NEW YORK, NEW YORK. Plus, check out a new trailer of the cast in action!

BABY JESSICA'S WELL-MADE PLAY to Open at Pipeline Theatre Company in February


Pipeline Theatre Company will present Baby Jessica’s Well-Made Play, an interactive performance for one person at a time that is loosely inspired by the 1987 true story of Baby Jessica and the collective experience of her 58-hour rescue.

AMT Theater To Present LIES By Jerry Slaff To Kick Off New Play Reading Series


AMT Theater, New York's newest Off Broadway house, announces the first in a series of New Play Readings.

Kander & Ebb's NEW YORK, NEW YORK Will Open On Broadway This Spring


Producers Sonia Friedman and Tom Kirdahy have announced that the brand new Kander & Ebb musical, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, will begin performances on Broadway Friday, March 24, 2023 and officially open Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Broadway’s St. James Theatre.

Cast Announced For August Wilson's FENCES at Playhouse On Park


August Wilson's FENCES will run at Playhouse on Park November 2 - 20, 2022. This production will be directed by Kenney M. Green. FENCES is a part of Playhouse on Park's 14th Main Stage Season, the theme of which is Perseverance. This season highlights stories of fighters and survivors, to coincide with the Playhouse's journey of persevering through the pandemic. 

Locally Shot Film SUMMER Returns To Jaffrey After 41 Years


The film will be presented from Saturday, August 20 to Thursday, August 25 in the King Auditorium at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey. The feature film has not been presented publicly since its debut on PBS Great Performances on November 9, 1981.

The Wilma Theater to Honor Co-Founding Artistic Director Blanka Zizka at FÊTE 2022


The Wilma Theater announced today that Fête 2022 will honor retiring Co-Founding Artistic Director Blanka Zizka, who recently departed the company after 40 years in the position. Fête 2022 will be held on Monday June 13, 2022.

Songbook Foundation's THE MUSIC MAN Collection Draws Researchers


The late Meredith Willson, a prolific but somewhat unexamined figure in 20th century entertainment, is gaining new attention these days from multiple directions.

Maria Caruso's Bodiography Returns to Off-Broadway with REARVIEW MIRROR, An 80's Retrospective


In June of 2021, M-Train Productions, the producing arm of the Pittsburgh based dance organization Bodiography, presented one of the first new indoor, limited-engagement dance productions to premiere in New York City since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of performance venues across the city in March 2020.

#ACHEKHOVBURLESK: SCENES FROM A THEATRICAL LIFE Announces Free Pop-Up Performances


#AChekhovBurlesk: Scenes from Theatrical Life, written and performed by John Robert Tillotson announced today a free Pop-Up reading of selections on Saturday August 28, 2021 at 4 PM at M Social Times Square, located at 226 West 52nd Street, just off Broadway on the Perch Terrace. Seating is limited, free and available 30 minutes before performance.

Co-Founder Blanka Zizka To Step Back From Wilma Theater


The Wilma Theater's Co-Artistic Director Blanka Zizka has announced that on July 31, 2021, she will step back from the theater she co-founded. During her 40 years of work at the Wilma, she has become one of the most renowned theater artists in Philadelphia and in the country.

John Cullum FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Cullum been in?

John Cullum has appeared on Broadway in 30 shows.

How many West End shows has John Cullum been in?

John Cullum has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John Cullum been nominated for?

John Cullum has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Conscientious Objector," Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "110 in the Shade," Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Urinetown," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Urinetown The Musical," Unique Theatrical Experience at the Drama Desk Awards for "Whistler," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "On the Twentieth Century," Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Shenandoah," Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Shenandoah," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Shenandoah," Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever."

What awards has John Cullum won?

John Cullum has won several awards throughout his career, including the Unique Theatrical Experience at the Drama Desk Awards for "Whistler," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "On the Twentieth Century," Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Shenandoah," Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Shenandoah," Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Shenandoah," and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever."

Get John Cullum Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos