John McIntire possessed the requisite grit, craggy features and crusty, steely-eyed countenance to make for one of television and film's most durable supporting players of western settings. Born in Spokane, Washington in 1907 and the son of a lawyer, he grew up in Montana where he learned to raise and ride broncos on the family homestead. After two years at USC, he spent some time out at sea before turning his attentions to entertainment and the stage. As a radio announcer, he gained quite a following announcing on the "March of Time" broadcasts. In the late 1940s, John migrated west and found a niche for himself in rugged oaters and crimers. Normally the politicians, ranchers and lawmen he portrayed could be counted on for their integrity, maturity and worldly wise, no-nonsense approach to life such as in _Black Bart , a strapping, imposing actor himself, who died in 1986 of heart problems.
Father, with actress Jeanette Nolan , of actors Tim McIntire and Holly McIntire.
Met and married Jeanette Nolan in 1935 while appearing together on radio. They went on to play roles on film and television usually older than they were.
