# Roddy McDowall

> British actor (1928–1998)

**Wikidata**: [Q283988](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q283988)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roddy_McDowall)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roddy-mcdowall

## Summary
Roddy McDowall (1928–1998) was a British actor best known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater, as well as his distinctive voice work in animated characters. He received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

## Biography
- Born: September 17, 1928
- Nationality: United Kingdom, United States
- Education: No specific education information provided
- Known for: Versatile acting career spanning film, television, theater, and voice work
- Employer(s): No specific employers listed
- Field(s): Acting, voice acting, photography

## Contributions
Roddy McDowall built a versatile acting career spanning over six decades, with notable roles in films such as "Planet of the Apes" series, "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and "Alice in Wonderland." He contributed to the entertainment industry through both on-screen performances and voice work for animated characters, demonstrating his range as a character actor. Additionally, he worked as a photographer, showcasing his artistic talents beyond acting.

## FAQs
**What awards did Roddy McDowall receive during his career?**
Roddy McDowall received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

**What made Roddy McDowall stand out as an actor?**
McDowall was known for his versatility as a character actor, able to portray unusual and eccentric characters across film, television, and theater. He was also recognized for his distinctive voice work in animated characters.

**How long was Roddy McDowall active in his profession?**
McDowall had a work period spanning from 1938 to 1998, maintaining a career in entertainment for over six decades.

**What other artistic talents did Roddy McDowall pursue besides acting?**
In addition to his acting career, McDowall worked as a photographer, demonstrating his artistic talents in visual arts beyond performance.

## Why They Matter
Roddy McDowall matters for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry through his versatile acting career and distinctive voice work. His performances in the "Planet of the Apes" series became iconic in science fiction cinema, and his ability to portray diverse characters made him one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. His work in both live-action and animated media demonstrated his range and adaptability, influencing generations of actors and voice performers. Additionally, his career spanning over six decades reflects his dedication to and impact on the performing arts.

## Notable For
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play winner
- Recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Versatile character actor in film, television, and theater
- Distinctive voice actor in animated characters
- Six-decade career in entertainment (1938-1998)
- Notable roles in "Planet of the Apes" series
- Work as a photographer in addition to acting

## Body
### Early Life
Roddy McDowall, born Roderick Andrew Anthony Jude McDowall on September 17, 1928, was a British actor who later became a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States. He established his career in the entertainment industry early, beginning his work period in 1938 at the age of ten.

### Career Overview
McDowall was a versatile performer whose career spanned over six decades, encompassing various aspects of the entertainment industry. He worked across multiple media formats including film, television, theater, and radio, demonstrating his adaptability as a performer. His occupations included film actor, television actor, stage actor, voice actor, character actor, and photographer.

### Acting Career
As a character actor, McDowall was known for portraying unusual and eccentric characters across his many performances. His film work included roles in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" as a child actor and the iconic "Planet of the Apes" series, where he portrayed Cornelius, Caesar, and Galen. His television appearances were extensive, showcasing his range across different genres and formats. On stage, he performed in various theatrical productions, earning recognition for his performances on Broadway.

### Voice Acting
McDowall was also a prominent voice actor, providing voice-overs for characters in animated films, television shows, and other media. His distinctive voice contributed to numerous animated productions, adding another dimension to his already diverse portfolio in the entertainment industry.

### Photography
Beyond his acting work, McDowall pursued photography, demonstrating his artistic talents extended beyond performance. His work as a photographer showcased his eye for visual composition and artistic expression.

### Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, McDowall received significant recognition for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, acknowledging his excellence in theatrical performances. Additionally, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his status as a notable figure in the entertainment world.

### Career Span and Legacy
McDowall maintained an active career from 1938 until his passing in 1998, demonstrating his longevity and sustained contributions to the arts. His work period of over six decades reflects his dedication to his craft and his impact on the entertainment industry. His versatility across different performance mediums and his ability to portray diverse characters made him a respected figure among peers and a recognizable talent to audiences worldwide.

### Personal Life
McDowall became a dual citizen of both the United Kingdom and the United States during his life, reflecting his international career and the global nature of the entertainment industry he worked in. He passed away on October 3, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of versatile performances and artistic contributions.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. IMDb
3. Integrated Authority File
4. datos.bne.es
5. RKDartists
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. MusicBrainz
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Find a Grave
13. Discogs
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. The Movie Database
16. [Roddy McDowall (32 Character Images) - Behind The Voice Actors](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Roddy-McDowall/)
17. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data