Roddy McDowall Biography

Roddy McDowall (Mr. Soil) passed away in October and leaves behind an incredible legacy of diverse and memorable film, television and stage performances. In "A Bug's Life" he gives voice to a pompous and somewhat dramatic ant who serves on the colony's ruling council.

In an interview earlier this year, the actor likened his role in "A Bug's Life" to working in radio. "It's an entirely different acting experience and great fun," said McDowall. "I love to do books on tape and animated voices possibly because they're larger than life. It is very creative work."

He added, "With all animated characters, it's fascinating to see the artist's interpretation of your character. It's a very different emotion. It's like going from the outside in. It's similar in a way to when I played the ape in 'Planet of the Apes.' Seeing the physical solution in the mirror was astonishing in the same way that seeing a drawing of what you are going to be is exhilarating."

Born in London, McDowall made his film debut at age 8 in "Murder in the Family" with Jessica Tandy and Glynis Johns. With the advent of WWII, McDowall's mother moved him and his sister to the U.S. in 1940. Settling in Hollywood, producers were impressed with his innocent face and precise diction, and he was immediately put under contract at 20th Century Fox. He was first cast in Fritz Lang's "Man Hunt" starring Walter Pidgeon. From there he went on to star in John Ford's Oscar-winning film "How Green Was My Valley," which brought him critical acclaim and public accolades. Loaned to MGM in 1943, he and young actress Elizabeth Taylor became friends while filming the classic "Lassie Come Home."

In the '50s he embarked on a stage career. His first appearance was in "Young Woodley" in 1953. He was then signed for the New York City Center Theatre revival of "Misalliance," which he followed up with key stage roles in "No Time for Sergeants," "A Handful of Fire," "Compulsion" and "Look After Lulu." At the same time, he appeared in live TV series such as "Campbell Playhouse," "The Alcoa Hour" and "Ponds Theater." He crowned his transition period onto the stage with both a Tony Award, for his role in "The Fighting Cock," and an Emmy for his role in NBC's "Night Without Honor."

He worked continually for more than 60 years, giving performances in noted motion pictures as "The Longest Day," "Cleopatra," "The Greatest Story Ever Told," "That Darn Cat," "The Loved One," "Funny Lady" and four of the "Planet of the Apes" films.

Even during his whirlwind professional period, McDowall indulged his photography hobby. He became one of the first and most acclaimed chroniclers of his profession. In 1968, his star portraits were published as Double Exposure. A fourth edition has since been published in 1993. His photography was celebrated in 1995 at New York's Nikon House Gallery.

In September of this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it was naming its photo archive after him.

Roddy McDowall

From Lassie to Planet of the Apes, Roddy's unique voice is remembered by millions.

Most famous for his role as Dr. Cornelius in Planet of the Apes, Roddy McDowall is perhaps best remembered for his highly distinctive voice and manner of speech. With a voice that was somewhat high- pitched, he spoke with a slight British accent and flawless enunciation. As soon as he opened his mouth, it seemed obvious that he was the most learned person in the room. But the octave also gave it a childlike quality that was in vivid contrast to his adult, sophisticated speech. That’s what made him so memorable as an ape. He brought to life the fantasy that although we see primates as inferior to us, we can't help but notice the great physical similarities. The idea of a primitive beast infused with high intelligence touches us deeply, because this is how we sometimes see ourselves. Like Roddy’s character, the primate scientist Dr. Cornelius, we cry out "I may appear to you as a brute creature; you might judge me to be uncivilized by my outer appearance. But I caution you against so easily dismissing me. Listen to the sound of my words. I might be hairier and have ruder personal hygiene, but my command of language far exceeds yours. I may have a smaller skull, yet my vocabulary shames you. In fact, despite your outer appearance, it is actually you who are the beast."

NEAL TRAVIS' NEW YORK
December 23, 1998

Roddy's rose garden

ACTOR and friend to everyone Roddy McDowall is gone but not forgotten. The Motion Picture & Television Fund has set up a group called "Roddy's Girls" to create a suitable memorial.

They plan a rose garden at the MPTF home for old actors in L.A.'s Woodland Hills. Roddy was a renowned rose grower and a passionate worker for the assisted-care facility.

"Can you imagine the pleasure it will give us the day we dedicate this special space in the spirit of our generous and caring friend?" asks the solicitation letter. It's a hard one to refuse, given that it's signed by Joan Axelrod, Lauren Bacall, Sybil Christopher and Elizabeth Taylor.

Roddy's Girls' Planning Memorial

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Plans are under way to create a suitable, lasting memorial to actor Roddy McDowall, who died of cancer earlier this year. The New York Post says the Motion Picture and Television Fund has established a group to be in charge of the effort. Unofficially known as "Roddy's Girls," the group includes Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Joan Axelrod and Sybil Christopher. They plan to grow a special rose garden at the MPTF home for old actors in Los Angeles. That would be appropriate since McDowall was an avid rose grower and a passionate worker for the assisted-care facility.

Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation
22212 Ventura Blvd Ste 300
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-9952

Film also mourned scene-stealing character actors: the eloquently brooding J. T. Walsh, Gene Evans, hero of Sam Fuller war movies; the forever pixieish Roddy McDowall; Maureen O'Sullivan who played other roles than Tarzan's Jane; Leonid Kinskey, the bartender in "Casablanca" and Mae Questel, the voice of Olive Oyl and Betty Boop.

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