Lin McCarthy, 84; Stage, TV and Movie Character Actor for Three Decades

Lin McCarthy, 84, a character actor on stage, television and film for three decades, died of pneumonia Nov. 23 in Beverly Hills.

Linwood Winder McCarthy, born in Norfolk, Va., served in the military during World War II and used the G.I. bill to study acting at Geller’s Theater Workshop in Los Angeles.

His entree to performing was a starring role in Horton Foote’s play “The Chase” on Broadway in 1952. After touring in “Mr. Roberts,” McCarthy married his co-star, actress Loretta Daye, and they moved to Beverly Hills.

McCarthy had roles in 1950s dramatic television anthology series -- many telecast live -- including “Studio One,” “Goodyear Television Playhouse,” “Philco Television Playhouse,” “Robert Montgomery Presents,” “Armstrong Circle Theatre” and “Kraft Television Theatre.”

Later television appearances included guest roles on popular series such as “Quincy,” “The Fugitive,” “The F.B.I.,” “Baretta,” “Lou Grant,” “Knight Rider” and “The Blue Knight,” as well as the miniseries “The Winds of War” in 1983 and television movies including “Tail Gunner Joe” in 1977 and “Eleanor, First Lady of the World” in 1982.

On the big screen, McCarthy played Capt. Anderson to Jack Webb’s sergeant in “The D.I.” about Marine boot camp in 1957. He also was in the 1950s films “Yellowneck” and “Face of a Fugitive.” McCarthy retired from acting in 1984.