Career
He was also a long-time executive producer for the television series The Virginian. Macdonnell was active during the days of old-time radio. Programs for which he was producer, director, or both included The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, Escape, Fort Laramie, Gunsmoke, Have Gun, Will Travel, The Harold Peary Show, Suspense, The Green Lama and Rogers of the Gazette.
Macdonnell was married to the former Judith Murray.
They had one child (a daughter), 2 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.