Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here
Tenor saxophonist Tim Warfield, left, a 1983 William Penn High School grad, plays with fellow York native Chris Bacas. Warfield has toured with jazz legends and recorded CDs on major labels. Background post: Musician Bob January dies and TV show box set ‘Terry & the Pirates’ to be part of a museum exhibit someday? and Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out.
York County has been home to scores of noted players in the arts and literature world.
Perhaps the best known is Cameron Mitchell, born in Dallastown in 1918.
Cameron Mitzell, later Mitchell, starred in more than 90 films during a four-decade career.
His best-known role today is that of Buck Cannon on NBC’s “High Chaparral.”
He was joined by another York native in one or more episodes of “High Chaparral.”
John Baer a journeyman actor from York, listed that show as one of his credits.
Craig Sheffer, a York Suburban grad, is another high-profile entertainer from York.
He starred in about 10 Hollywood films starting in 1985, including “A River Runs Through It” and “The Program.”
More achievers in the arts and entertainment, excerpted from “Never to be Forgotten:” … ‘;
Katherine Haviland-Taylor writes more than 20 books of light fiction and gains widespread renown. For example, her short story, “The Failure,” is made into the movie “One Man’s Journey,” starring Lionel Barrymore and May Robson, in 1933.
Ivan Rutherford, a Dallastown Area High School grad, plays Jean Valjean in the long-running Broadway production of “Les Miserables” in the 1990s.
David Masenheimer, a York Suburban grad, performs as Inspector Javert in the same musical.
Matthew Faber, a York Suburban grad, performs in the films “Bob Roberts” and “Natural Born Killers.”
Jenn Crowell, a Jacobus resident, authors “Necessary Madness,” published internationally, when she is 17 years old.
Laurice Elehwany, a Spring Grove-area native, writes the screenplay for “The Brady Bunch Movie” and “My Girl,” based on her memories of Jefferson.
Larry Williams, a York Suburban grad and a widely exhibited photographer, co-directs episodes of the TV drama “Homicide.”
John Skipp and Craig Specter, both from York, write the original screenplay for “Nightmare on Elm Street 5.”
Sherry Lynn Fadely, a William Penn High School graduate, helps produce several movies, including “Free Willy” and “Radio Flyer.”
A.W. Pink, a British writer and preacher who lived in York for a year in the 1930s, writes books that sell in the thousands.
Starting in 1977, Nancy Springer, of Dallastown, authors more than 30 award-winning books for children and adults.
Susan Wojciechowski, a York author, writes the children’s story “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey.” It becomes a made-for-television Christmas special in 1997.
William H. Shank, a York resident, authors several books on transportation history, including “History of the York Pullman Automobile” and “The Amazing Pennsylvania Canals.”
Jacob Hay V is a novelist and writer for several major newspapers and National Geographic.
Outspoken lesbian Rita Mae Brown, a Hanover native, authors several books, including “Rubyfruit Jungle.”
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Charlie Thomas of the Drifters, who perform such hits as “Under the Boardwalk” and “There Goes My Baby,” lives in York today.
The late Moses Rascoe, a York resident, played his blues guitar at major U.S. folk festivals and was particularly popular in Europe.
The former truck driver became popular in his 70s. Del McCoury of Thomasville has rivaled Bill Monroe in international popularity in bluegrass music. “Del’s voice is what fans love and detractors hate about bluegrass,” a reviewer said. “He sings it high and lonesome… .”
Martie Erwin Seidel, one-third of the “Dixie Chicks,” is born in York Hospital in 1969. Emily Erwin Robison, Martie’s sister and a second member of the hit country trio, is born after her parents move from their Jacobus home to New York.
The nationally touring rock group “Live,” made up of four William Penn High School grads, started in York as “Public Affection.”
Here is a refresher of other artists, actors and athletes from York/Adams or linked to this region:
– Hanover native Ann Roth explains how she designs costumes for Hollywood.
– John Baer among York countians to star on big screen.
– Memorial service for noted musician Bob January set for, well, January.
– Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here
– York County, Pa.’s Cameron Mitchell agonized over career choice
– Bomb group seeks Cameron Mitchell’s WWII info
– Stand-in stole show in YLT’s “Inherit the Wind”
– Former York countian-turned-screen-writer Laurice Elehwany: How to make it as a writer
– Many national stars first performed on YLT’s stage.
– DJ to The Drifters and Charlie Thomas of York, Pa.: ‘You guys have a hit record’.
– York native Steve Zirnkilton’s ‘Law & Order’ voice known to the world.
– York County’s Ludwig family produces two national headliners.
– Don’t forget Del McCoury on list of York County’s celebs.
– Jeff Koons’ sculpture brings record for a living artist’s work.
– Add another to list of entertainers with York links.
– Former NFLer and York countian Lincoln Kennedy has not forgotten his roots.
– Names of stars from York County with pro sports links just keep increasing.
– Lineup full of sports stars with York County links.
– Braves super scout Paul Snyder about retirement: ‘I’m content’.
Ann Roth, a Hanover native, won an Academy Award in 1997 for Best Costume Design for “The English Patient.”
