John Heffernan (American actor)

John Heffernan
Born(1934-05-30)May 30, 1934
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
DiedDecember 3, 2018(2018-12-03) (aged 84)
Occupation(s)Film, stage and television actor
Years active1950s–2001

John Heffernan (May 30, 1934 – December 3, 2018) was an American film, stage and television actor. He was perhaps best known for playing Eddie Niles in the 1973 film The Sting.[1]

Life and career

Heffernan was born in Manhattan,[2] New York.[3] He began his career in the 1950s as a stage actor in New York, appearing in Broadway productions[3] and winning an Obie Award.[4] In 1964 he replaced Albert Finney in the title role of the New York production of Luther.[2] His last stage credit was for the 1982 production Alice in Wonderland.[3]

Heffernan began his screen career in 1960, appearing in the anthology television series The Play of the Week. He also played Professor Everett Chambers in the soap opera television series The Doctors, and Chester Markham in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.[3]

In 1973 Heffernan played the role of Eddie Niles in the film The Sting.[1] Other film appearances included Bringing Out the Dead, 92 in the Shade, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Gloria, Extreme Measures, and The Fisher King.[3]

Heffernan retired in 2001, his last credit being in the police procedural television series Law & Order.[citation needed]

Death

Heffernan died in December 2018, at the age of 84.[3]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1961 Time of the Heathen Gaunt
1970 Puzzle of a Downfall Child Dr. Sherman
1973 The Sting Eddie Niles
1975 92 in the Shade Myron
1976 God Told Me To Bramwell
1991 The Fisher King Stockbroker Bum
1992 1492: Conquest of Paradise Brother Buyl
1996 Extreme Measures Cartman
1999 Gloria Hotel Clerk
1999 Bringing Out the Dead Mr. Oh

References

  1. ^ a b Brode, Douglas (1995). Money, Women, and Guns: Crime Movies from Bonnie and Clyde to the Present. Carol Publishing Group. p. 67. ISBN 978-0-8065-1608-0 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b Robinson, Barry (February 28, 1964). "'Luther' Star Sees Musical As First Broadway Vehicle". Asbury Park Press. p. 17. Retrieved January 2, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Lentz, Harris (June 3, 2019). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2018. McFarland. pp. 166–167. ISBN 978-1-4766-7033-1 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ "Finney To Leave 'Luther' Jan.2; John Heffernan, Winner of an Obie, Will Succeed Him". The New York Times. January 9, 1964. Retrieved January 2, 2022.