Kevin McCarthy was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Death of a Salesman, and The Howling. With a career that spanned nearly 70 years, he appeared in nearly 100 films and made notable contributions to both film and theater.
Personal and Family Life
Kevin McCarthy was born on February 15, 1914, in Seattle, Washington. He tragically lost his parents to the flu epidemic when he was just four years old and was raised by his grandparents and relatives in Minnesota. He graduated from high school in 1932 and later studied at Georgetown University and the University of Minnesota, where he began pursuing acting.
Career
McCarthy gained fame for his starring roles in various films, particularly in the 1950s. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman and starred in the famous sci-fi thriller Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Throughout his career, he was known for his strong voice and commanding presence on screen, and he continued acting well into his 90s.
Death and Legacy
Kevin McCarthy passed away on September 11, 2010, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, due to pneumonia. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor whose work crossed multiple generations and genres. His performances in classic films continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| My Tutor | 1983-03-04 | Mr. Chrystal |
| Innerspace | 1987-07-01 | Victor Eugene Scrimshaw |
| The Prize | 1963-12-25 | John Garrett |
| The Howling | 1981-01-21 | Fred Francis |
| Addams Family Reunion | 1998-12-24 | Grandpa Addams |
| Invasion of the Body Snatchers | 1956-02-05 | Dr. Miles J. Bennell |
| Death of a Salesman | 1951-12-20 | Biff Loman |
| The Midnight Hour | 1985-11-01 | Judge Crandall |
| The Misfits | 1961-02-01 | Raymond Taber |
| Roadracers | 1994-07-22 | Miles |