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Tintypes: Roddy McDowall 
Roddy McDowall who takes great photographs of the famous, including his own, has to hide behind a 3 hour mask job for "Planet of the Apes" TV series.He has always been a money-maker. Smart. He owns part of the action of the series in addition to a fine salary. He started out as a child model before he became a child actor. He was born in London, Sept. 17, 1928. He was soon evacuated to Hollywood. He has appeared in 80 movies and countless TV shows. He says: "When I was a child actor, I worked in as many as three pictures at one time. Obviously, the studio wanted to get all they could out of me while I was growing like a weed." He is 5-10, has brown hair, brown eyes and keeps his weight at a steady 150 pounds.
He looks for honesty and sincerity in interesting people. He explains that his philosophy is not to pry into other people’s business, nor reveal confidences. He got a big thrill on the set one day when he was introduced to his still-photographer George Hurrell. He greeted Hurrell with ("I’ve idolized you all of my life"). He insists Hurrell once was one of Garbo’s favorite photographers. He is calm and his favorite color is light blue.
He says his record for viewing is six in a day! He is also a celebrity buff. And he is a celebrity. He left Hollywood for Broadway (1953) to play in several Broadway shows. He was a smash hit in Shaw’s "Misalliance" revival. He played Octavius in Shakespeare’s "Julius Caesar"—the same role he played with best friend Elizabeth Taylor in "Cleopatra." He learns his lines quickly. ("Fortunately, I’m a quick study, but do not retain them, except for plays.")
He maintains an apartment here near Central Park and has a home in the San Fernando Valley. He claims he was never domestic but has taken it up during the past few years. He is neat. Everything is in order in the house. He takes both showers and baths, but of course not at the same time. He prefers showers. He names Shakespeare as his favorite author. He refuses to speak about politics. He is only critical of himself. He likes to travel. He is not a good packer. ("I like to travel, but dislike the process of getting there.")
He is faithful in his friendships. He lists as his pet aversion Unneatness. ("Not being systematic. People who speak and say little.") He is always trying to better himself as an actor and as a photographer. If he were to give up acting, he would go into the business of photography. ("Don’t forget my book went into two editions. It’s the coffee table type.") He was asked what it feels like to be typecast as an ape. He answered, ("Lassie and Flicka were proud of me, too.") He believes it is important to understand people. He sleeps in a medium size bed. He sleeps soundly. Usually in light blue tailored pajamas. NEW YORK POST September 21, 1974 |