John Cullum’s distinguished acting career, spanning more than six and a half decades, began on the stage of South Knoxville Elementary School where he played the part of a tree. A speech and theatre major at UT, he performed in more than 30 productions while a student.
Cullum attended UT on a tennis scholarship, played on the university’s SEC Championship team, and toured Europe with his doubles partner. While here, he also became the highest-ranking ROTC officer in his class.
He made his Broadway debut in Camelot in 1960 and went on to star in numerous Shakespearean plays and Broadway productions. Cullum won Tony awards in 1975 and 1978 and was nominated for others in 1965, 2002, and 2007. A recipient of the UT Founder’s Day Medal in 1998, he may be best known for his role as Holling Vincoeur, in the popular 1990s television series, Northern Exposure. His other recognitions include a 1981 Drama Desk Award and a 1993 Emmy nomination. He has also been inducted into both the East Tennessee Hall of Fame for the Performing Arts and the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
In 2004, Cullum returned to UT to star alongside his son, J.D. Cullum, in the Clarence Brown Theatre’s 30th Anniversary production of The Dresser, playing the role of “Sir” to rave reviews. At the anniversary gala, the theatre presented him with its first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Cullum is currently starring in the world premier of The Scottsboro Boys at the Vineyard Theatre in New York.
One letter of nomination stated, “It is virtually impossible to imagine a more deserving individual for this prestigious award. John Cullum works tirelessly and brilliantly, making his art with humility, reverence, vigilance and precision. He is valiant, he is exceptional, he is courageous, and each time he steps on stage, the University of Tennessee is front and center. Distinguished Alumnus? I should say so!
“Simply put, John Cullum is one of UT’s most noteworthy graduates, and he has achieved a level of greatness very few actors ever reach.”
