'Body Snatchers' Actor McCarthy, 96, Dies in Mass.

[Hissyspit]

Source: Associated Press

'Body Snatchers' actor McCarthy, 96, dies in Mass.

By The Associated Press – 1 hr 16 mins ago
HYANNIS, Mass. – Actor Kevin McCarthy, who played the frantic doctor trying to save his friends and neighbors in the science-fiction movie classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," has died at age 96.

McCarthy died Saturday, said Cape Cod Hospital spokesman Dave Riley, who wouldn't reveal the cause of death or any other details. McCarthy's acting career took off in 1938 with his Broadway debut in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois." Soon after, he became an early member of the Actors Studio and was chosen by Elia Kazan to play Biff, the son of Willy Loman, in the London production of "Death of a Salesman." He repeated the role in the 1951 film starring Fredric March and earned an Oscar nomination as supporting actor.

But while he would consistently win praise for his acting during a long and busy career, his most lasting fame would come for "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." In the 1956 film, he vainly tried to warn residents in his small town of the evil pod people from outer space who were quietly taking over the personalities of everyone on Earth. His frantic shouting of "You're next!" to those in approaching cars became so well known among science-fiction fans that he was often asked to spoof the role. He more or less did that in the opening minutes of the 1978 remake, which starred Donald Sutherland as the hero menaced by the pod people.

McCarthy's other films included "A Gathering of Eagles," "The Best Man," "Mirage," "Hotel," "The Howling," "Twilight Zone_ The Movie," "Inner Space," "Dark Tower," "Just Cause," "The Distinguished Gentleman" and "Steal Big, Steal Little."He also appeared in one other classic film, although in a much smaller role. He was Marilyn Monroe's estranged husband in her last movie, 1961's "The Misfits."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100913/ap_en_ot/us_obit_mccarthy

[mitchum]

1. Rest In Peace...he was a fine actor, and if I recall correctly, the brother of Mary McCarthy

[Orrex]

2. And let's not forget his understated performance in "My Tutor"

RIP Mr. McCarthy.

[BigBearJohn]

3. I really liked this actor. Thanks for posting this.

May he rest in peace.

[Lautremont]

4. Growing up as a fan of Kevin McCarthy and 'Body Snatchers,'

and hearing so much about the political subtext of the movie, I honestly thought "McCarthyism" referred to him. No joke. I figured it out eventually.

Great actor!

[Gormy Cuss]

5. He had a good run.

I still find it amazing that he and the author Mary McCarthy were siblings.

R.I.P.

[slackmaster]

6. Long Live Walter Jameson

RIP Kevin McCarthy. You were one of the best.

[Frank Cannon]

15. Terrific Twilight Zone episode. One of my favorites.

He was good in everything he did. I'm glad that he got to live a long, full life.

[jmondine]

16. His character in the later "Twilight Zone: The Movie" was Uncle Walt.

[SusanaMontana41]

20. What a great episode!

We'll miss you, Kevin.

[Meekssandygirl]

7. I have fond memories of his villian role in "Innerspace".

I hate to hear when people from films I grew up with pass on. If Spielberg kicks the bucket, just don't tell me...

[BlueJazz]

8. One hell of a nice Man. Pics>>

.

[Hawaii Hiker]

9. He was in several Hawaii Five O episodes to

including the first episode (after the pilot) called "Full Fathom Five"...

[jxnmsdemguy65]

28. Full Fathom Five (F3) is one of my favorite Hawaii Five-0's....

[Skittles]

10. a total cutie pie, and a great actor

:thumbsup:

[defendandprotect]

11. Invasion of the Body Snatchers -- great movie!! His sister was a novelist . . .

Mary McCarthy - "The Group" --

and they were cousins to Sen. Eugene McCarthy -- Minnesota

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565130/bio

[NBachers]

12. I always liked Kevin McCarthy but I always got him and Doug McClure mixed up

[Omaha Steve]

13. Great actor that treated his fans very well

Marta and I met Kevin twice in LA. I also introduced him to our son Steve in Omaha when he did a film event here: http://www.omahafilmevent.com/past/misfits.htm

At the 2002 TZCon he played a prank on me. The con allowed taking videos but pointed out to ask the actors before taking them. I walked up camera in hand and Kevin started in on "somebody didn't as for permission to video" in a loud voice. I started to apologize and then he smiled. It was all an act. He was very charming and we exchanged some letters and photos over time with him.



Our 2002 TZCon trip: http://www.steveandmarta.com/graveyards/tzcon2002.htm

2004 TZCon: http://www.steveandmarta.com/graveyards/tzcon2004.htm

[DoBotherMe]

18. Great stuff Steve!

Do you have the video of Kevin posted somewhere? He's one of my favorites, his smile is beautiful. Dana ; )

[Omaha Steve]

22. Write me off list

I'll send what we have on DVD.

[Javaman]

14. Great actor. RIP.

sadly his warning fell upon deaf ears.

[John Kerry VonErich]

17. He was next in line to play Howard Beale

If Peter Finch couldn't.

[SusanaMontana41]

21. Really? I did not know that!

What an interesting bit of trivia. Now I'm more curious. Thanks for sharing!

[Judi Lynn]

26. He would have done a memorable job with that role.

It would have been good to see him there, instead of Finch.

[SteveM]

19. What a career. Great actor. Wandering in the highway -- great scene.

[CTyankee]

27. IIRC, there were two endings shot to that film.

I'm trying to recall what those endings were...but one of them ended in a police station...not sure about this...

[Omaha Steve]

23. Kevin's trip to Omaha's film event is in the AP story

:"They wanted me to come out for it, but I was too vain," he told the Columbus Dispatch in 2003. "I said the part was too small. I finally said I would do it if they paid me a hundred dollars a word. They said they would. Turns out I had 29 words." Also in 2003, McCarthy attended a salute to the film in Omaha Ne. http://www.omahafilmevent.com/past/index.htm

[tabasco]

24. RIP. Good actor.

I always enjoyed him, especially in sci-fi movies.

[nightgaunt]

25. Joe Dante (Dir) certainly liked him

He was great in "The Howling" (the best werewolf/serial killer film ever.) I also liked him in the tv series "The Invaders" ep. from the second season called "The Watchers."

He was one of those character actor stars I looked forward to seeing in any movie he was in. He will be missed.

[Sweet Charming Dem]

30. I went to HS with Joe Dante's nephew

[DeadEyeDyck]

29. anyone that makes it to 96

has live a good, healthy and full life.

RIP man you made some fun flics

[SalmonChantedEvening]

31. RIP and thank you sir. nt