John Deyle, a veteran actor on Broadway and television commercials, died June 22 in Mount Kisco, NY of esophageal cancer. He was 68.
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, he studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
In 1978, when auditioning for the Richard Rodgers and Martin Charnin musicalI Remember MamaCharnin decided to instead cast him in the original Broadway production ofAnnie. A member of the third-year cast, which featured Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role, Deyle played Louis Howe, Fred McCracken, and Bert Healy.
His other Broadway credits include understudy to Sir Lionel in the 1980 revival ofCamelotappearing in the original Broadway company ofFootlooseand portraying Senator Fipp inUrinetown.
On tour, Deyle played Bert Bratt in the 1996 production ofHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,and did three tours ofCamelotin various roles, including Forest Merlyn. Off-Broadway, he appeared as Frankie Cavalier inPageant,and as Hucklebee in the 2006 revival ofThe Fantasticks.
Deyle was in more than 100 commercials, ranging from Skippy Peanut Butter to Just for Men Hair Color. He also was “Mr. Science” on the first season ofLate Night With Conan O’Brien,and appeared onLaw and Order,Law and Order: SVU, One Life to Live,andAll My Children.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Rebecca, their son, Oleg, and his sister, Kathryn. Services will be private.
