Scutter McKay

Scutter McKay is an American actor possibly best known as one of the two actors who played the Pakuni Ta on the Seventies TV-Show "Land of the Lost." 
McKay was born James Giussi on April 24, 1943 in Stockton, California, the son of William P. Giussi and Marilyn Giussi. His father owned the Sunset Cafe and later the Oak Park Inn from 1949 to 1952. In 1953, the family moved to Palo Alto, California and until 1976, he owned both the Palo Alto and Peninsula Feed and Fuel Company and Straw Man imports, located in Palo Alto's Town and Country Village in 1979. McKay graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1961. 
In his youth, McKay performed magic and sometimes appeared at private events. He was a high school cheerleader and a great tumbler and gymnast who could do an iron-cross on the rings. On February 5, 1966, he married Judy E. Moyer, but they divorced four years later. 
As an actor, he used the name "Scutter McKay" as his screen name, possibly due to some connection or appreciation to Depression-era performer Scott McKay. He made his first appearance on TV in the series "Family Affair," playing two roles in the 1968 and 1969 seasons. He went on to play various roles on the Sid and Marty Kroft series "H.R. Pufnstuf" as well as other roles in "Adam-12" and "Ironsides." 
In 1975, he started playing Ta on "Land of the Lost," another Sid and Marty Kroft TV-series, taking over the role from Joe A. Giamalva, the previous actor in the role, until the character was dropped before the start of the Third Season. 
Not much is known about McKay's later life and career after "Land of the Lost" ended in 1976, but it is possible he stopped acting. He passed away on March 21, 1989 in Stockton, California. He was 45.
Category: Cast
Category: Actors