Ignatius Wolfington

Ignatius "Iggie" Wolfington (October 14, 1919 – September 30, 2004) was an American actor. He originated the role of Marcellus Washburn in the Broadway musical The Music Man, which earned him a nomination for the 1958 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical.

Early life Wolfington was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended West Philadelphia Catholic High School, then studied at the Bessie V. Hicks School of Drama.

Career A life member of The Actors Studio, Wolfington is best known for originating the role of Marcellus Washburn in the Broadway musical The Music Man, starring Robert Preston, which earned Wolfington a nomination for the 1958 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. Buddy Hackett was cast in the role for the 1962 movie version. In 1980, Wolfington appeared as Mayor Shinn in the short-lived, Off-Broadway revival of The Music Man, starring Dick Van Dyke. He also played the role of Chef Ellsworth in "Mrs. McThing", a 1952 play which featured Helen Hayes.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes1966 Penelope Store Owner 1973 Hex Bandmaster 1974 Herbie Rides Again Lawyer - Second Team 1975 The Strongest Man in the World Mr. Becker 1977 Telefon Father Stuart Diller 1979 1941 Meyer Mishkin 1988 Daddy's Boys Marriage Licensor

Awards Wolfington received the following awards: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award Philip Loeb Humanitarian Award Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award