Actor John Cunningham dies at 93 after nearly 70 years on stage and screen

From army stages to Yale drama

Born June 22, 1932, and raised in New Paltz, New York, Cunningham was the son of a high school principal. After graduating from Dartmouth College, he joined the U.S. Army, where a fortunate reassignment placed him in an acting troupe performing for troops stationed across Europe.

Following his service, he earned a master’s degree from Yale Drama School before heading to New York to chase his dream — alongside his lifelong friend and classmate, Dick Cavett.

Television, community, and a life well lived

Cunningham appeared in countless television productions, including Law & Order (eight times), 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Damages, and multiple daytime soap operas.

Beyond acting, he was deeply devoted to his Rye community. Alongside fellow actor Frances Sternhagen, he founded the Playwrights and Players series in 1989, bringing renowned playwrights to Rye High School while raising funds for arts education.

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