Who Is Roddy McDowall? Age, Biography and Wiki
Roddy McDowall was born on September 17, 1928, in Fulham, London, England, and passed away on October 3, 1998. He was a British actor, director, and author, best known for his roles in classic films and television series, including "Planet of the Apes" and "The Poseidon Adventure." With a career spanning over six decades, McDowall made significant contributions to both film and television, earning accolades for his versatility and talent. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 97th birthday.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1928 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Herne Hill, London, England |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 3 October, 1998 |
| Died Place | Studio City, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Roddy McDowall's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Roddy McDowall stood at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Throughout his life, he was known for maintaining a healthy physique, although specific weight and body measurements are less documented due to his passing in 1998. Nonetheless, his approachable demeanor and charisma greatly contributed to his enduring appeal.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Roddy McDowall's personal life was relatively private, primarily focusing on his career. Although he never publicly declared a romantic partner as his boyfriend or girlfriend, it is widely known that he had close relationships with several notable individuals in the entertainment industry. McDowall was known to have been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was associated with various charities throughout his life.
Both of his parents were enthusiastic about the theatre. His elder sister, Virginia, and he were raised in their mother's Catholic faith. He attended St Joseph's College, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, a Roman Catholic secondary school in London.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Roddy McDowall's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth was accumulated through a successful acting career, voiceover work, and directing. While exact salary figures for years past are difficult to ascertain, McDowall's consistent work across film, television, and stage ensured a steady income throughout his lifetime.
Career, Business and Investments
Roddy McDowall began his career as a child actor, with his early roles capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. His breakthrough came with the film "How Green Was My Valley" (1941), which won several Academy Awards. Over the years, he starred in numerous successful films and TV shows, solidifying his place in Hollywood history. Notably, his role as Cornelius in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise showcased his acting prowess and versatility.
In addition to acting, McDowall was also an accomplished director and produced various projects, demonstrating his multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry. His investments primarily revolved around entertainment ventures rather than traditional business pursuits.
Roderick Andrew Anthony Jude McDowall (17 September 1928 – 3 October 1998) was a British-American actor whose career spanned over 270 screen and stage roles across over 60 years. Born in London, he began his acting career as a child in his native England, before moving to the United States at the outbreak of World War II.
He achieved prominence for his starring roles in How Green Was My Valley (1941), My Friend Flicka (1943), and Lassie Come Home (1943).
Unlike many of his contemporaries, McDowall managed to evolve from child star into an adult performer and appeared on Broadway and in films, winning a Tony Award for his performance in Jean Anouilh's The Fighting Cock. For portraying Octavian in the historical epic Cleopatra (1963), he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
Social Network
Though Roddy McDowall’s active presence on social media is absent due to his era, his legacy continues to thrive on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, maintained by fans and film historians. These platforms are filled with tributes, rare photos, and discussions about his impact on cinema and television.
McDowall played Cornelius and Caesar in the original Planet of the Apes film series, as well as Galen in the short-lived spin-off television series. His other notable films included Orson Welles' Macbeth (1948), The Longest Day (1962), Cleopatra (1963), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), That Darn Cat!
(1965), Inside Daisy Clover (1965), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Funny Lady (1975), The Black Hole (1979), Fright Night (1985) and its sequel Fright Night Part 2 (1988), Overboard (1987), Shakma (1990) and A Bug's Life (1998).
He was a frequent guest star on many television series, and won an Emmy Award for a 1961 episode of NBC Sunday Showcase.
Education
Roddy McDowall attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, enhancing his skills that would later contribute to his significant career in the performing arts. His education laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to acting and directing, leading him to become one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.
After appearing as a child model as a baby, McDowall appeared in several films as a boy. After winning an acting prize in a school play at age nine, he started appearing in films: Murder in the Family (1938), I See Ice (1938) with George Formby, John Halifax (1938), and Scruffy (1938).
