Gardner McKay was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Adventures in Paradise,” “The Pleasure Seekers,” and “I Sailed to Tahiti with an All Girl Crew.” He made a significant career shift from acting to writing after several years in the spotlight.
Personal and Family Life
Gardner McKay was born George Cadogan Gardiner McKay on June 10, 1932, in New York City. He grew up in both New York and Paris and studied at Cornell University for a couple of years. After his father’s death, he left university and briefly worked in advertising. He became a sculptor at age 20, with one of his works displayed at the Museum of Modern Art. In 1980, he married Madeleine Madigan, and they had two children together.
Career Transition
McKay was initially discovered by Dominick Dunne and gained fame for his role in the TV show “Adventures in Paradise,” which began in 1959. However, after finishing the series, he decided that the celebrity lifestyle was not for him. He traveled extensively, including hiking in the Amazon and riding camels in Egypt, before settling down to pursue a writing career. He served as a drama critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner from 1979 to 1981, after retiring from acting in 1970.
Death and Legacy
Gardner McKay passed away on November 21, 2001, in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to prostate cancer. His life and experiences are remembered through his work in both television and literature. He was also immortalized in Jimmy Buffett’s song “We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About,” reflecting his unique journey and impact on popular culture.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Pleasure Seekers | 1964-12-25 | Pete Mc Coy |
| I Sailed to Tahiti with an All Girl Crew | 1968-12-31 | Terry O’Brien |
| Dominick Dunne: After the Party | 2008-10-23 | Self (archive footage) |
| Holiday for Lovers | 1959-07-21 | Airman First Class |
| Raintree County | 1957-12-20 | Bearded Soldier (uncredited) |
| Boots and Saddles | 1957-09-19 | |
| The Thin Man | 1957-09-20 | |
| Adventures in Paradise | 1959-10-05 | Adam Troy |
| Jefferson Drum | 1958-04-25 | Simon Easton |
| The Mike Douglas Show | 1961-12-11 | Self |