John Mahon

John Patrick Mahon (February 3, 1938 – May 3, 2020) was an American film, stage and television actor. He was perhaps best known for playing Captain Gillette in the 2007 film Zodiac. Early life and education Mahon was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the son of an attorney. Mahon had acted while at high school, and at university he met playwright Jason Miller, who encouraged him to audition for stage plays at Marywood College. Shortly after, Mahon joined the University Players. Mahon studied classical languages and English literature at the University of Scranton. In 1950 he contracted polio, which paralyzed him for a time and left him without the full use of his left arm. Acting career After graduating from college, Mahon moved to New York City, where he worked as the supervisor of two paper mills. After two years, he decided to try acting as a profession, appearing in off-Broadway productions while working as a taxi driver and waiter. In 1971, Mahon was nominated for a New York Drama Critics Award in the category Best Actor, for his performance in the play Nobody Hears a Broken Drum. He continued to appear on stage through the 1970s, also directing plays.