Theater News

Actor Iggie Wolfington Dies at 84

Iggie Wolfington, the stage and screen actor who introduced the song “Shipoopi” when he created the role of Marcellus Washburn in the original Broadway production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, died on September 30 of natural causes. He was 84.

In addition to his Tony-nominated turn as Marcellus, Wolfington’s other Broadway credits included Mrs. McThing, One Eye Closed, Marathon ’33, and the short-lived 1980 revival of The Music Man, in which he graduated to the role of Mayor Shinn. He was seen on television in One Touch of Venus, the original 1957 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and the daytime drama All My Children. He also appeared in such films as Telefon and 1941.

Born in Philadelphia, Wolfington studied at the Philadelphia School of Theatre and the American Theatre Wing. He did active duty in World War II, receiving a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. He later helped establish the West Coast office of The Actors’ Fund of America and served as its head for 15 years until he retired in 1984. His honors include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild.

Wolfington is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Wood.