The hit American police drama television series, McCloud, captivated audiences from 1970 to
1977.
The show, created by Herman Miller, followed the adventures of Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud,
played by the talented Dennis Weaver.
As part of the NBC Mystery Movie rotating wheel series, McCloud became a beloved favorite
for its unique premise of a cowboy in the big city.
While the show brought us excitement and entertainment, it is with a heavy heart that we remember
the lives of the cast members who have since passed away.
Join FactsVerse as we relive the memories of the cast of McCloud.
Dennis Weaver
Dennis Weaver, whose name is synonymous with the American Western, was born in Joplin,
Missouri, on June 4, 1924.
With his tall stature and a voice that commanded attention, Weaver was destined for the screen.
Weaver's breakthrough came when he landed the role of Chester Goode in the television
series Gunsmoke, for which he earned an Emmy Award.
However, he is best remembered for his role as Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud in the television
series McCloud, where he brilliantly portrayed a modern-day cowboy navigating the concrete
jungle of New York City.
His character, hailing from Taos, New Mexico, brought a touch of the Wild West to the Big
Apple, solving crimes with a mix of traditional cowboy wisdom and modern policing techniques.
In addition to his acting career, Dennis Weaver was a man of principle and an ardent advocate
for the environment.
He used his fame to raise awareness about ecological issues and was a pioneer in promoting
sustainability.
He founded the Institute of Ecolonomics with the goal of developing solutions that assist
both the economy and the environment.
Dennis Weaver's personal life included a marriage to Gerry Stowell from 1945 until his death.
The couple had three children: Rick, Robby, and Rusty.
He was also a skilled pilot and an avid practitioner of transcendental meditation.
Dennis Weaver passed away from complications of cancer on February 24, 2006, at his home
in Ridgway, Colorado, where he had built an environmentally friendly earthship-style home
made of recycled materials.
He was 81 years old.
His legacy as an iconic actor, environmental advocate, and a man of principle continues
to inspire generations.
John Donovan Cannon
Known as J.D.
Cannon, he was an actor of remarkable range, and his stern demeanor made him a perfect
fit for roles of authority.
He served in the United States Army during World War II before pursuing a career in acting.
In McCloud, J.D.
Cannon took on the role of Chief of Detectives Peter B. Clifford.
His character was often at odds with McCloud's unconventional methods, and this dynamic added
tension and drama to the series.
Cannon's portrayal of a by-the-book lawman trying to adapt to McCloud's cowboy ways was
both authentic and engaging.
Beyond McCloud, J.D.
Cannon's filmography was extensive.
Some of his notable roles include playing General Maddox in the film "Rollerball" and
appearing in the classic western "Cool Hand Luke."
His ability to convey strength and authority made him a sought-after character actor.
J.D.
Cannon was also known to be private and reserved.
He was married to Alice McCamley Cannon, and they had one child.
He lived in New York, where he was actively involved in the theater community.
The world of entertainment lost a stalwart when J.D.
Cannon passed away on May 20, 2005, at the age of 83 at his residence in New York.
His commanding presence on screen and his dedication to his craft have made him an enduring
figure in television and film history.
Ken Lynch
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 15, 1910, Ken Lynch was destined to become one of the
most versatile character actors of his generation.
He had a knack for portraying a wide range of characters, from authority figures to blue-collar
workers, with remarkable authenticity.
In McCloud, he took on the role of Grover, a character whose presence added a layer of
complexity to the series.
His portrayal was marked by subtlety and depth, which contributed to the richness of the show's
narrative.
Ken Lynch's career was both prolific and diverse.
With over 180 credits in film and television, he was a familiar face to audiences, often
portraying authority figures and everyday men with equal adeptness.
His contributions to the entertainment industry were significant, and his ability to breathe
life into characters made him a cherished figure among his peers and audiences alike.
Ken Lynch was married to Marjorie J. Himmel, and the couple had two children.
He was known to be a dedicated family man and was deeply respected within the industry
for his professionalism and talent.
On February 13, 1990, Lynch passed away from a virus in Burbank, California.
He was 79 years old.
He was laid to rest at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, Los Angeles.
Through his extensive body of work, Ken Lynch achieved a form of immortality, as his performances
continue to captivate audiences.
Diana Muldaur
Diana Muldaur, born on August 19, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, was an actress whose talent
and charisma made her a beloved figure in television.
Her portrayal of Chris Coughlin in McCloud was a breath of fresh air.
As Chris Coughlin, she played a strong, independent woman who was not afraid to challenge the
status quo.
Her character was a journalist and the daughter of the police commissioner, and she often
found herself entangled in the cases McCloud was investigating.
Her on-screen presence was magnetic, and she brought depth to her character through her
nuanced performance.
After McCloud, Diana Muldaur continued to blaze trails in television.
She is perhaps best known to sci-fi fans for her role as Dr. Katherine Pulaski in season
2 of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
Additionally, she played Rosalind Shays on L.A. Law, a role that earned her two Emmy
nominations.
Beyond acting, Muldaur was also the first female chairperson of the Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences.
She was also a founding member of the Women's Steering Committee of the Directors Guild
of America.
Diana Muldaur was married to James Vickery until his death in 1979, and later to Robert
Dozier until his death in 2012.
She was known to be passionate about animal welfare and was a patron of the Performing
Animal Welfare Society.
Her passing in 2022 marked the end of an era, but her groundbreaking roles and contributions
to the television industry will never be forgotten.
Sidney Clute Born on April 21, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York,
Sidney Clute was an actor whose comic timing and affable screen presence made him a beloved
figure in Hollywood.
With his impeccable comic timing, brought much-needed levity to McCloud through his
portrayal of Detective Simms.
His character was often seen providing comic relief amidst the tense and action-packed
scenes.
Clute's ability to deliver lines with a twinkle in his eye made Simms an endearing character
and a fan favorite.
After McCloud, Sidney Clute continued to charm audiences with his performances.
He is best remembered for his role as Detective Paul La Guardia on the hit television series
Cagney & Lacey.
His character on Cagney & Lacey was similar to Simms in many ways, as he brought humor
and heart to the police procedural.
In addition to his television roles, Sidney Clute appeared in several films, including
"The Late Show" and "Fort Apache, The Bronx."
His ability to bring warmth and humor to his characters made him a sought-after character
actor.
Clute passed away on October 2, 1985, in Los Angeles, California.
Though his life was cut short, his legacy as a character actor who could light up the
screen with his humor and warmth continues to be celebrated.
Ken Scott
In McCloud, Ken Scott took on the role of Polk, a character shrouded in mystery and
intrigue.
His portrayal was marked by subtlety, as he adeptly depicted a character whose motives
were often unclear, adding a layer of complexity to the show.
Scott's ability to portray enigmatic characters made him a valuable asset to the series.
Before McCloud, Ken Scott had already established himself in Hollywood, particularly in the
1960s, with roles in films such as "The Hustler" and "Captain Newman, M.D."
He was known for his chameleon-like ability to slip into characters, making each role
distinct and memorable.
After McCloud, Scott continued to work in both television and film.
His versatility as an actor was evident in the range of characters he portrayed, from
suave leading men to sinister villains.
Ken Scott passed away at a relatively young age on December 2, 1986.
Though his life was cut short, his legacy as an actor of depth and versatility continues
to be celebrated.
John Finnegan Born on August 18, 1926, in New York City,
John Finnegan was an actor whose dedication to his craft was evident in the authenticity
he brought to his roles His portrayal of the 1st Desk Sergeant in
McCloud was marked by a steadfast dedication to law and order.
His character was the epitome of a no-nonsense law enforcement officer, and Finnegan's authentic
portrayal added a sense of realism to the series.
His stern demeanor and commanding presence made him a natural fit for the role.
Finnegan's career extended far beyond McCloud.
He was particularly known for his long-standing collaboration with the renowned director John
Cassavetes.
He appeared in several of Cassavetes' films, including "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie"
and "A Woman Under the Influence."
His association with Cassavetes was a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.
In addition to his live-action roles, Finnegan also ventured into voice acting.
He lent his voice to the character of Warren T. Rat in the beloved animated film "An American
Tail," showcasing his ability to adapt his talents to different mediums.
Finnegan passed away on July 29, 2012, in Palm Desert, California, at the age of 85.
His illustrious career, which spanned over five decades, left an indelible mark on the
world of film and television.
While we honor the cherished memories of the McCloud cast members who are no longer with
us, let's also celebrate the enduring legacy of one who continues to thrive.
Terry Carter, who portrayed Sergeant Joe Broadhurst, remains an active and beloved figure in the
industry.
Terry Carter
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 16, 1928, Terry Carter is a multi-talented artist
who has made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
In McCloud, Carter portrayed Sergeant Joe Broadhurst, a character that resonated with
audiences due to his unwavering dedication to law enforcement and his camaraderie with
Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud.
Carter's portrayal of Broadhurst was nuanced, reflecting the character's commitment to justice
and his ability to adapt to McCloud's unconventional methods.
In addition to his acting prowess, Terry Carter is an accomplished musician and filmmaker.
His musical talents are evident in his soulful renditions and albums.
Moreover, he has been involved in various filmmaking projects, further showcasing his
versatility.
Terry Carter's contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous accolades.
As one of the surviving members of the McCloud cast, Carter's legacy continues to thrive
through his enduring performances and artistic endeavors.
There you have it.
It's now time to hear from you.
Let us know which of the cast members discussed above is your favorite.