Kevin McCarthy

Kevin McCarthy

Kevin McCarthy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 12, 2010.
HYANNIS, Mass. (AP) — Actor Kevin McCarthy, who played the frantic doctor trying to save his friends and neighbors in the science-fiction movie classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," has died at age 96.

McCarthy died Saturday, said Cape Cod Hospital spokesman Dave Riley, who wouldn't reveal the cause of death or any other details.

McCarthy's acting career took off in 1938 with his Broadway debut in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois."

Soon after, he became an early member of the Actors Studio and was chosen by Elia Kazan to play Biff, the son of Willy Loman, in the London production of "Death of a Salesman." He repeated the role in the 1951 film starring Fredric March and earned an Oscar nomination as supporting actor.

But while he would consistently win praise for his acting during a long and busy career, his most lasting fame would come for "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." In the 1956 film, he vainly tried to warn residents in his small town of the evil pod people from outer space who were quietly taking over the personalities of everyone on Earth.

His frantic shouting of "You're next!" to those in approaching cars became so well known among science-fiction fans that he was often asked to spoof the role. He more or less did that in the opening minutes of the 1978 remake, which starred Donald Sutherland as the hero menaced by the pod people.

"Body Snatchers" flopped at the box office, considered too bleak for audiences of the time. It was elevated to classic status, and its star to iconic status, after such critics as Francois Truffault hailed it and late-night television programmers embraced it.

McCarthy's other films included "A Gathering of Eagles," "The Best Man," "Mirage," "Hotel," "The Howling," "Twilight Zone — The Movie," "Inner Space," "Dark Tower," "Just Cause," "The Distinguished Gentleman" and "Steal Big, Steal Little."

He also appeared in one other classic film, although in a much smaller role. He was Marilyn Monroe's estranged husband in her last movie, 1961's "The Misfits."

He originally turned down the role when director John Huston approached him, complaining that it was too small.

"I finally said I would do it if they paid me $100 a word," he recalled in 2003. "Turns out I had 29 words. I should have asked for more."

McCarthy also worked frequently in television, appearing in TV movies, miniseries and such series as "The Survivors," "Flamingo Road" and "Amanda's."

Comic accordion player "Weird Al" Yankovic cast McCarthy in his movie "UHF" and several of his videos, and the actor appeared in more than two dozen episodes of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater.

In 1978, he began touring in the one-man show "Give 'em Hell, Harry," playing the Harry Truman role created by James Whitmore. Over the years he appeared as Truman in 350 venues.

McCarthy was born in Seattle on Feb. 15, 1914. He, his sister, author Mary McCarthy, and their two brothers were orphaned when their parents died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. They were raised by relatives.

His first marriage, to Augusta Dabney, produced three children. His second, to Kate Crane, produced two children.


Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press

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May 30, 2015

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170 Entries

Chris Walker

May 30, 2015

You will never be forgotten, I just got finished watching A Big Hand for a Little Lady, so young and handsome. Your wonderful works in film will always be with us, as constant as the stars, moon and the sun. Rest in peace Mr McCarthy, knowing that we are still watching you with admiration.

December 15, 2014

Time goes by so quickly. It's been four yrs since his death. Always watch both sequences of the body snatchers. Thanks for the memories.

Harry Simpson

September 11, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Rest Kevin, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

FRANK FOSTER

December 1, 2013

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING KEVIN MCCARTHY DURING THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S IN NYC, WHEN I LIVED NEARBY A CLOSE FRIEND , MONTGOMERY CLIFT. HIS CREATIVITY AS AN ACTOR WAS ASTOUNDING TO ME, AND HIS PERFORMANCE IN BOTH STAGE AND FILM OF "DEATH OF A SALESMAN", WAS WONDERFUL AND NEEDLESS TO EVEN MENTION HIS MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE IN "INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS" WE HAVE LOST A GREAT MAN AND A GREAT ACTOR. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE MCCARTHY FAMILY.

Floyd Alan Millhone

July 2, 2013

As a youth I first saw Mr. McCarthy play as a man who never aged in the Twilight Zone. A great actor who will be missed.

Nancy Beyer Evans

January 21, 2011

To Katie and the children, my condolences - it has always been a point in my life that Cousin Katie fell in love across a crowded room with handsome Kevin McCarthy. Our lives went on wildly different paths, and I didn't make Jim Beyer's wedding; all the guests were trying to figure if the tall distinguished guest was the local banker or an insurance agent - he was soooo familiar even in Missoula Montana.
From afar, I have followed the life and times of Kevin and Katie. I am very sad for you in this time. Bless you,
Nancy

Deborah SilverKnight

October 8, 2010

to Kevin MCCarthy's family.Sending you light&love. Kevin McCarthy! You are loved! You are one of the most steller actors! thankyou.for your great performances,your intellect...definetly,one of the most handsome men on screen! Thankyou! so glad I grew up with during your time on the Planet! "INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS", is one of the GREATEST Scifi movies of all time! HANDS DOWN! Superb acting by Kevin&cast! Very CHilling&REALISTIC! a fine B&W film!Kevin McCarthy deserves much more recogniton for all his work!!! We love you&are sad...but,know YOU are in GOOD HANDS! Your FANS will NEVER forget your beautiful smile&chisled jaw! Your presence on the BIG SCREEN was&is a Bright Blessing to all of us! Fly High,Dear Kevin!!!!!!!

gregory hines

October 6, 2010

my condolences to Mr. McCarthy's family...in particular his children with Augusta Dabney. she was a mainstay in my life growing up watching daytime television.
the loss of both these wonderful actors leaves a hole in the hearts of their fans and family alike.
Gregory Hines
[email protected]

October 5, 2010

Kevin was one of a kind, they don't make them that good any more. Convincing in every role. Favourite leading lady, the astoundingly beautiful Dana Wynter. This marks an end of an era. Condolences to his family

Ila Bowman

September 27, 2010

To the McCarthy family and friends. Your loss of such a wonderful man is sad. At the same time I'm thankful for all of you that he lived so long. He scared the dickens out of me in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" when I was young and I've had a love/hate relationship with that movie ever since, but never with Mr. McCarthy. He always had my deepest admiration. In everything I saw of him, he seemed to be the gentleman's gentleman. I miss him already and will definitely remember him in a wonderful way. May the Lord be with each and everyone of you and give comfort and peace, as only He can give. Good night, Mr. Kevin McCarthy! Rest in peace and I do hope that I'll meet you in Heaven some day. Ila Bowman

September 20, 2010

I have enjoyed watching you over the years; you will be missed but not forgotten. jwm,austin,tx

K.T. McCarthy

September 19, 2010

Outstanding performer on stage and screen
always to be remembered -never to be forgotten.

September 19, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John Rudkin

September 19, 2010

Really enjoyed your style, humour and acting. World will miss you!

John

Eileen Bennett

September 19, 2010

Great actor... rest in perpetual peace.

Joyce Gacsaly

September 18, 2010

R.I.P. KM Enjoyed you in your various roles, especially the Twilight Zone episode with the old photograph of you in military uniform. So handsome and a very distinctive voice. Will miss you.

September 18, 2010

Another fine actor has left the building.I remember him so well in 1951 and '56 and from then on I tried to see every thing he did.Saw him in many TV roles also. always knew it was going to be good if Kevin McCarthy was in it. Ann Marie,CT.

September 18, 2010

We have lost yet another "real actor" a man with talent. He has always been one of my favorite. God bless him and his family.

September 18, 2010

to the family of this great actor,my the father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort strength you in your time of need,who comforts us in our trubulation....1Cor 4,5

Carmen W

September 17, 2010

I will remember his acting. I loved when he played on Flamingo Road. A great actor. Thoughts and prayer's go out to the family. God Bless.

s c

September 17, 2010

My condolences to the family. I still enjoy the movie the "Invasion of the body snatchers" one of my favorites.
SC
Columbia, SC

Janice Salamone

September 17, 2010

Kevin brought joy to my movie viewing. One of the greats. Nothing like a good old movie that kept you on the edge of your seat. Never needed sex or bad language. Kevin will be missed by all who remember him. Jan

Chuck Shea

September 16, 2010

Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents with us and providing us with such wonderful memories. Another original gone and never to be replaced.

Jodi

September 16, 2010

May the peace of God that excels all thoughts comfort you during this time of sorrow.

nneth correale

September 16, 2010

we will miss you

Janice Krasco

September 16, 2010

I loved him in scary movies he did it right. He going to be sadly missed. Good actor did it with class. RIP

Bren

September 16, 2010

He was in The Twilight Zone movie too - I remember him! I'm sorry for the loss.

September 16, 2010

My condolences to the Mc Carthy family. Kevin was a fine actor. I saw the invasion of the body snatchers when I was 10 years old at the movies. It really made an impression on me.

God Bless

From
Claire N

KAN

September 16, 2010

To the McCarthy family: Please accept my sincere condolences. I know he will always be in your memories. However, we eagerly await the day when our heavenly Father will reverse the process of human sickness and death. In the meantime, please be assured that our loving Father will help you to endure the burden of your aches and pains.

Shirley Brotherton

September 16, 2010

Invasion of the Body Snatchers is one of my very favorite movies. The year it was made (1956) was one of my best, too). I have enjoyed several movies and specials he appeared in, such as Twilight Zone where he was an ageless man who stayed the same for years until one of his wives shot him and he deteriorated. He was an awesome actor and I will always remember him fondly. May he rest in peace.

September 16, 2010

Thank you Kevin...I am a fan.

Bob Leary

Sara Rhyne

September 16, 2010

I was a fan for many, many years, having seen him a number of roles. But my favorite was always "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

R. Vickroy

September 15, 2010

So sorry to hear of Mr. McCarthy's passing. He was my favorite actor. I will surely miss him! He was a great actor and, I'm sure, a great family man. My sincere condolences to Mr. McCarthy's family.

A Fan

September 15, 2010

What a wonderful ride he must have had in his ninty six years. I hope he wrote his biography, what stories he could have told. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family.

I remember Kevin in the movies going "way" back.

J Stokes

September 15, 2010

I can still see Kevin trying to get help in Invasion of the Body Snatchers. He will be truly missed. He's one of a kind.

Annie Hardin

September 15, 2010

A great man, a great actor who will be missed. Thank you for so many years of your artwork, may God bless you and your family!

September 15, 2010

Kevin was one of my favorite actors. Very talented man. I will miss him. My sympathy to his family. Nancy

Kevin McCarthy

September 15, 2010

A great actor who was truly a master of his craft. Although we were not related we both share the same name. Rest in peace Mr. McCarthy, because of the large body of work you left behind, you will always be with us.

Jan Warren

September 15, 2010

What a wonderful actor. We are so sorry to lose these great ones. Sympathies to your loved ones.

Janet

September 15, 2010

Wonderful actor. He will be greatly missed.

Gloria Washington

September 15, 2010

I am sorry to see such a great man leave us, God bless you and your family . I will not forget you. Your fan Gloria

September 15, 2010

Yet another "Old School" Actor, who served his country with pride and honor during World War II. You can count today's generation of Actors who served (something besides themselves) on one hand, with five fingers left over. R.I.P., Kevin, and God bless you always.

Ronnie Giles
Actor, & Vietnam/Iraqi War Veteran

Linda

September 15, 2010

What a gentleman. A note of comfort for the family: "Christ did actually rise from the dead and has become the first of millions who will come back to life again someday." 1 Co 15:20

Shirley

September 15, 2010

I am sorry for your loss, may the God of all comfort be with you in your time of grief.

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home

September 15, 2010

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

Dan

September 14, 2010

Always a standout in every film in which he appeared. He was great in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but he also gave a great performance in the 1966 movie A Big Hand for the Little Lady. Always enjoyed his work. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Shirley Carbone-Gower

September 14, 2010

The world has lost a fine gentleman. Prayers go out to Mr. McCarthy's family & friends.

JANICE MASI

September 14, 2010

I was such a big fan of his acting. He brought such joy to my heart watching him in the movies. I just bought a dvd of "the Body Snatchers" to replace my old tape! Kevin, you were one of our best actors. I wish your family the peace of knowing they will see you again in THE BETTER WORLD. Love, Janice Masi

Judi Fountas

September 14, 2010

I love him in everything he played. He was so good. All the great actors are leaving us. Kevin, you were wonderful. Condolences to his family.

vicki and harry maxwell

September 14, 2010

mr.mccarthy was a fine actor! enjoy heaven.blessings to your family

September 14, 2010

He will be sadly missed and I will always remember him in the Invasion of the Body snatchers, it made you feel like it was happening to you. May his family find comfort. God Bless and R.I.P.

Georgia Fragas

September 14, 2010

I'm 65 years old now and remember Mr. McCarthy since I was very young watching tv and seeing him in movies. I am sorry he has passed away and will remember him always.

russ garr

September 14, 2010

Always approachable and a great sense of humor. When I walk the streets of Sierra Madre, CA, where "...Body Snatchers" was filmed, I imagine him there. I hope his tombstone is engraved with this warning: "You're next!"

James Wierzbicki

September 14, 2010

What sad news; what a great loss to Hollywood and the television community!! Mr. McCarthy was one of the finest character actors I ever saw. I never would have imagined that, like his character Prof. Walter Jameson, he would have lived such a long life. Now informed of how long he did live, it truly seems that he lived, not ninety-six years, but two thousand years. My condolences to his family, but I know that he will live on even now in the hearts of those who truly appreciated his work.

William Carroll

September 14, 2010

The scifi/fiction world has lost a truly great actor with character. He will be missed. Really liked him in the Body Snatchers original. My sympathy to his friends,Family and friends. God Bless you Kevin.

katherine stevenson

September 14, 2010

great actor. i loved him in the twilight zone the movie. he will truly be missed.

September 14, 2010

My sincere symphathy to all his friends and remaining family members. Mr. McCarthy was a great actor. I enjoyed all his movies and TV appearances. I still enjoy all the reruns I see on TV. Nancy Schlegelmilch. Flint. MI

w welch

September 14, 2010

met Mr McCarthy at the restaurant Mahoney's in Orleans on the Cape a couple of years ago.....after his dinner he stayed and chatted for awhile...very nice and down to earth man.

September 14, 2010

So sorry to hear about Kevin McCarthy. I was a very impressionable young teen when I saw him in a 50's film I believe entitled "Annapolis Story" - I was smitten and enjoyed all his performances. Kevin McCarthy was always so youthful looking - would never have thought him to be as old as he was. (Nancy Hawkins, Boiling Springs, PA)

Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis

September 14, 2010

Dear McCarthy and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless him and his family.

Louise

September 14, 2010

September 14, 2010
Well that is one movie I will never forget and of course his great performance. Old actors are my favorite lots of substance and character. He will probably be one of the resurrected ones Jesus spoke about. John 5; 28, 29 the earth will be peaceful in the future.

B.K.B. Tunks

September 14, 2010

Sincere Sympathy to Mr. MCCarthy's Family. He will be missed by many.

Loretta Lambert

September 14, 2010

RIP You will be missed I always enjoyed your movies.

Sandra Manwaring McCarthy

September 14, 2010

Dear Kate, I am so sad to hear of Kevin's passing. I don't know if you remember me, I was married to Kevin's cousin John 9 years ago when you two stopped to visit us in Salt Lake City while on a road trip. I enjoyed that visit so much and even the boys remember you. I pray that peace will find all your hearts at this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.

Nellie Murphy

September 14, 2010

I always enjoyed his work...and handsome too!! My family and I send our condolences

Sharron Hope

September 14, 2010

oh, to the family of Mr. McCarthy...he was such a dream. My favorite movie was Hotel. He was a great talent and quite the Looker !

Barbara Morris

September 14, 2010

My deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. The world does marvel at his strength and longevity. The Bible calls it "special mightiness". We look forward to a time of God's making when sickness and death will be no more. Until then keep the faith.

A Friend

Kathleen Penelli

September 14, 2010

To the family of Kevin McCarthy,

Please accept my deepest sympathy, I enjoyed all his movies, and he wil be missed.

IRENE SULLIVAN

September 14, 2010

I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED MR MCCARTHY IN THE MOVIES.I AM SAD HE HAS LEFT US, BUT GOD BLESS AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I WILL STILL ENJOY WATCHING HIM IN THE GOOD OLD MOVIES. REMEMBERING HIM FONDLY

Carol Dell Grant

September 14, 2010

To the McCarthy Family,
May your beloved one rest in peace.

Enjoyed Mr. McCarthy over the years in his many films.

Cynthia Kirk

September 14, 2010

I am sad to know Mr. McCarthy has passed. I enjoyed his talent in his roles as I was growing up. He will be missed by all his fans.

Tami Bramblett

September 14, 2010

I have already missed his talent in recent years and now knowing he is gone, I truly feel the loss. I really enjoyed his work and what an amazing comic timing he had. Please accept my condolences at this time of loss for his family and friends.

louise wisinski

September 14, 2010

You were a fine actor; never a bad performance. May you rest in peace.

September 14, 2010

Floyd Seebron and Family Jewett, Illinois

Mary Jeffers

September 14, 2010

In Memory of Kevin McCarthy: Thru the years I have fondly watched you play, with such grace and dignity, alot of roles. One of my favorite was on an episode of "The Rifleman" where you played Mark Twain convincingly. We are pleased that our father allowed you to live a long, full life. Good living will do it every time. May you rest in peace - you have earned it.

September 14, 2010

Rest in Peace Kevin McCarthy - Ann McCarthy-Kroncke (No relation)

September 14, 2010

Invasion of the Body Snatchers was one of the first movies that seemed close to reality and sparked my interst in Si Fi movies and programs. Mr Mccarthy was so good in that movie and many others. Thanks Mr McCarthy!! Cindy Gold AZ

September 14, 2010

Invasion of the Body Snatchers was one of the first movies that seemed close to reality and sparked my interst in Si-Fi movies and programs. Mr Mccarthy was so good in that movie and many others. Thanks Mr McCarthy!!

September 13, 2010

He is one of my favorite actors-thanks for all the memories

D. M.

September 13, 2010

God Bless you on your final journey...May he give your family and friends strength and hope for a better tomorrow...

Stan Smith

September 13, 2010

Thank you for sharing your talent. Godspeed Kevin.

Sheila Smith

September 13, 2010

God bless you Kevin and all those who loved you.

September 13, 2010

May the "God of all comfort" be with you as you cope with your loss.

C. Ford

September 13, 2010

I remember watching Mr. McCarthy on TV growing up. The Body Snatcher's was a thriller that I loved seeing. A great actor; a full life; may you rest in peace Mr. McCarthy. My condolences to your family and friends.

b borton

September 13, 2010

You were a wonderful, handsome actor. I loved your many TV and movie roles. May God have a place for you in his large cast in Heaven.

Margaret A. Miller

September 13, 2010

So sorry to hear of Mr. McCarthy's death. He was a wonderful actor and enjoyed him very much. My sympathy to his family.
Margaret Miller

James Czel

September 13, 2010

You will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Kevin McCarthy.

Ed S

September 13, 2010

Kevin McCarthy has been, for years, one of my favorite actors. He always took the role and made it memorable. He will truly be missed, especially in his home area, Memphis.

Betty Watson

September 13, 2010

One of my favorite actors, I am saddened by his passing. Rest In Peace Kevin

Susan C

September 13, 2010

Class act!

September 13, 2010

Some very fond memories of my childhood were sitting with Grandma (who passed in February at 94 years) watching Alfred Hitchcock and our favorite scary movie "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".

Thank you Mr. McCarthy for those precious times. Rest in peace.

C. W. (Ohio)

kenneth Perry

September 13, 2010

I saw Kevin in many movies he always always seemed like a natural.
Rest in peace Kevin.

m taylor

September 13, 2010

he was a wonderful actor and a great human being. kevin you will be missed

Jackie Clark

September 13, 2010

My heart and prayers go to the Family. Kevin was indeed a great actor, and he lived a long full life. May you draw comfort from Gods word in knowing when he wakes up he will be in paradise, waiting for his family. Luke 23:43

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May 30, 2015

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September 11, 2014

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