Michael Evans was an American actor best known for his roles in “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Gigi,” and “My Fair Lady.” He had a successful career on both stage and screen, captivating audiences for decades.
Personal and Family Life
Born as John Michael Evans on July 27, 1920, in Sittingbourne, England, he grew up in a creative family. His father, A.J. Evans, was a celebrated World War I escapee and author, while his mother, Marie Galbraith, was a concert violinist from Ireland. Michael was inspired to act at the young age of 12 after witnessing a performance by John Gielgud.
Career Highlights
Michael Evans started his acting journey after serving as a navigator in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He debuted on the London stage in 1948 and soon transitioned to films and Broadway. He moved to the United States after making a name for himself in productions like “Gigi,” where he starred alongside Audrey Hepburn. His notable television role was on “The Young and the Restless,” where he worked from 1980 to 1997.
Death and Legacy
Michael Evans passed away on September 4, 2007, due to age-related complications at an assisted living facility in Woodland Hills, California. He was 87 at the time of his death. Fellow actor Eric Braeden remembered him as a true professional and a gentleman, reflecting the respect he garnered throughout his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Bye Bye Birdie | 1963-04-04 | Claude Paisley |
| Riot on Sunset Strip | 1967-03-01 | Sergeant Tweedy |
| The Thousand Plane Raid | 1969-07-15 | Group Commander |
| Oliver Twist | 1974-07-10 | |
| Oliver and the Artful Dodger | 1972-08-21 | Narrator (voice) |
| The Plainsman | 1966-08-01 | Estrick |
| The Love-Ins | 1967-07-26 | Rev. Spencer |
| Blackout | 1950-09-13 | Guy Sinclair |
| The Six Men | 1951-08-01 | Hunter |
| The Sword and the Sorcerer | 1982-04-01 | King Ludwig |
| Olivia | 1983-03-01 | Chairman |
| Mayerling | 1957-02-04 | Hoyos |
| Appointment with Venus | 1951-10-08 | 2nd Officer – Com. Ops |
| Operation Heartbeat | 1969-04-17 | Dr. Dave Falconer |
| Hart to Hart | 1979-09-22 | |
| Studio One | 1948-11-07 | Van Christy |
| Combat! | 1962-10-02 | Major Cole-Hughes |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| Run for Your Life | 1965-09-13 | Roger Aldington |
| General Electric True | 1962-09-30 | |
| The Bob Newhart Show | 1972-09-16 | |
| Mannix | 1967-09-16 | |
| Hunter | 1984-09-18 | Rudyard |
| Laredo | 1965-09-16 | |
| Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats | 1966-09-17 | |
| Capitol | 1982-03-26 | |
| The Young Rebels | 1970-09-20 | |
| The Rat Patrol | 1966-09-12 | Colonel Windsor |
| Dr. Kildare | 1961-09-27 | Charles LeFevre |
| The Outsider | 1968-09-18 | |
| Goliath Awaits | 1981-11-11 | Eric Whittaker |