Actor Jon Cypher is best known to television audiences for his work in iconic series such as Hill Street Blues, General Hospital, Major Dad, and The Rockford Files, but long before his screen success, he built his foundation as a classical stage actor — including a season as a leading man at Denver’s Elitch’s Theatre.
A year before his summer at Elitch’s Theatre, Cypher gained national recognition in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella when he appeared opposite Julie Andrews in the landmark 1957 live television broadcast, portraying Prince Christopher to Andrews’ Cinderella. The production was a major cultural event of the early television era and helped introduce both performers to a wide national audience.
Cypher appeared in 1958 at Elitch’s Theatre during its distinguished summer stock era, where he was featured as the leading man. Elitch’s, nationally respected for developing serious stage talent, provided Cypher with the opportunity to carry productions as a principal actor — a critical step in a career that would later span Broadway, regional theatre, and television.
Following his time at Elitch’s, Cypher became a familiar face on Broadway, appearing in major productions including The Great White Hope and Twigs. His theatre work remained a constant throughout his career, even as he transitioned into television in the 1970s and 1980s, where he became especially well known for portraying thoughtful, authoritative, and complex characters.
Seasons at the Theatre
- 1958
Productions/Roles:
Notable Roles, Awards, and Other Work:
- Prince Christopher to Julie Andrews’ Cinderella on CBS in 1957.
- Hill Street Blues — Chief of Police Fletcher Daniels
- General Hospital — Lee Baldwin, district attorney and major long-running character
- The Great White Hope (Broadway) — Ensemble / principal role in the Tony Award–winning production
- Twigs (Broadway) — Principal role opposite Sada Thompson
Elitch Theatre Connections:
- Jon Cypher was part of the original production of Man of La Mancha on Broadway (1965) playing Dr. Sanson Carrasco (and later taking over the role of Don Quixote) with Elitch Theatre alum, Richard Kiley who starred as Don Quixote (Cervantes).
Wikipedia Link:
