From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia David Wayne January 30 1914 February 9 1995 was an American actor with a career spanning nearly 50 years Early life and career Wayne was born Wayne James McMeekan in Traverse City Michigan the son of Helen Matilda née Mason and John David McMeekan He grew up in Bloomingdale Michigan Waynes first major Broadway role was Og the leprechaun in Finians Rainbow for which he won the Theatre World Award and the first ever Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical While appearing in the play he and costar Albert Sharpe were recruited by producer David O Selznick to play Irish characters in the film Portrait of Jennie 1948 It was in 1948 as well that Wayne became one of those fortunate 50 applicants out of approximately 700 granted membership in New Yorks newly formed Actors Studio He was awarded a second Tony for Best Actor in a Play for The Teahouse of the August Moon and was nominated as Best Actor in a Musical for The Happy Time He originated the role of Ensign Pulver in the classic stage comedy Mister Roberts and also appeared in Say Darling After the Fall and Incident at Vichy
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