Introduction
John Cullum is a Tony Award-winning actor who has appeared in numerous Broadway productions, films, and television shows. He is known for his powerful voice, impeccable acting skills, and incredible range. Despite his success, Cullum never set out to become an actor. In fact, he stumbled upon the profession almost by accident. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this accidental star.
Early Life and Career
John Cullum was born on March 2, 1930, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he studied engineering. After graduation, he worked for a time as a construction engineer. However, he soon realized that he was not cut out for a career in engineering and decided to pursue his passion for music.
Molasses to Rum
Cullum’s first big break came in 1969 when he was cast in the original Broadway production of “1776.” He played the role of Edward Rutledge and delivered a powerful rendition of the song “Molasses to Rum.” The song, which deals with the issue of slavery, was controversial at the time, but Cullum’s performance earned him critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a rising star on Broadway.
Personal Life
Cullum has been married twice. He first married Emily Frankel in 1959, and they had three children together. They divorced in 1977. In 1986, he married his second wife, playwright and novelist Emily Mann. They have been together ever since and have collaborated on several theatrical productions.
Later Career
After his success in “1776,” Cullum went on to appear in numerous Broadway productions, including “On the Twentieth Century,” “Shenandoah,” and “Urinetown.” He also appeared in several films, including “Sweet Country,” “The Day After,” and “The Producers.” In addition, he had a successful television career, appearing in shows like “Law & Order,” “ER,” and “Northern Exposure.”
An Accidental Star
Despite his success, Cullum has always maintained that he never set out to become an actor. In fact, he has said that he stumbled upon the profession almost by accident. However, his natural talent and dedication to his craft have helped him to become one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Net Worth
John Cullum’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. He has earned his wealth through his successful career as an actor on stage, screen, and television.
Conclusion
John Cullum is a true icon of the stage and screen. Despite never intending to become an actor, he has had a long and successful career that has earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers. His powerful voice, impeccable acting skills, and incredible range have made him a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
