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BORN
1925
DIED
2017
Alec McCowen Obituary
A nephew, the Rev. Nigel Mumford, confirmed his death.
McCowen began his stage career in 1942 and made his London debut in 1950 as Maxim in Anton Chekhov’s play “Ivanov.” He made his first appearance in New York City at the Ziegfeld Theater in 1951, appearing in “Caesar and Cleopatra.”
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He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1962, performing at Stratford-upon-Avon playing Antipholus of Syracuse in “The Comedy of Errors" and the Fool to Paul Scofield’s “King Lear.”
McCowen starred in a one-man show titled “St. Mark’s Gospel,” which was successful in London and on Broadway and brought him a Tony Award nomination. He brought the gospel to life and inhabited various characters including Jesus and Pontius Pilate.
McCowen appeared on many television shows and in movies. He played a chief inspector in the Alfred Hitchcock film “Frenzy.” He appeared as “Q” in the 1983 James Bond movie, “Never Say Never.”
McCowen was known for his technical brilliance as an actor. He talked about acting with The New York Times in 1984.
“I wanted to be an entertainer, not an actor, when I was young,” Mr. McCowen said. “I wanted to be Jack Benny, and I’m still dazzled, still fascinated, by the audacity of a Judy Garland or a Lena Horne or a Frank Sinatra going out there all by themselves and holding an audience’s attention.”
He is survived by a sister as well as two nieces and another nephew. His partner, the actor Geoffrey Burridge, died of AIDS complications in 1987.
Memories and Condolences
for Alec McCowen
29 Entries
March 3, 2020
I would like to offer my respects to the family and friends of mr. alec mccowen who was a great actor may the God of tender mercies grant him peace
Harry Simpson
February 7, 2018
Godspeed Alec, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Joe Franceski
March 30, 2017
It is very hard for me to hear or read St. Mark's Gospel without thinking of the great Alec McCowen's dramatic recitations in New York which I had the privilege of attending twice. God bless this great and good man with His eternal mercy and love.
March 18, 2017
My sincerest sympathies to the family. May you find refuge in the Most High during this difficult time. Psalms 9:9
Carlotta
March 8, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Mccwen family and friends at this difficult time.
February 21, 2017
Sincerest sympathy.
May our loving Creator bring you comfort.
"He hears their cry for help, and he rescues them."
~ Ps. 145:18, 19
Victor Soo
February 18, 2017
My condolences to the MccCowen family for their loss. Alec and I were friends from 1973 to his passing. I will always remember him as a great actor and an even greater friend.
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 17, 2017
RIP
Coe Lewis
February 17, 2017
I will always be such a fan and what a beautiful speaking voice...pure magic. I am watching Palfrey over and over. God speed Mr. McGowan
Pat
February 17, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Jer 29:11
R D
February 15, 2017
Condolences to the family of Alec McCowen. Peace and comfort from God to you during this most difficult times.
Glenys McCowen
February 12, 2017
Thoughts are with the family... Heaven has gained another angel RIP
February 11, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carlotta
February 10, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Mccowen family and friends at this difficult time.
February 10, 2017
May family and friends keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds at this time of deep sorrow. God love and care for you.
A C
February 10, 2017
My condolences to the McCowen family for the loss of your very talented Alec.
Andrew Knuckles
February 10, 2017
He kind of looks like the father in "Back to the future." Rest in peace dude.
February 10, 2017
What a long and wonderful life! So many cannot say the same. May Alec McCowen forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.
RA Dawson
February 9, 2017
A most gifted actor. He and fellow thespian Paul Newman both entered the world in the year 1925. Here's wishing their afterlives are ebulliently blessed.
TS
February 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss, may God carry the family during your grief
Harry Simpson
February 9, 2017
Godspeed Alec, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
February 9, 2017
Alec enjoyed a good long life. So many cannot say the same. He was especially strong.
Ps. 90:10
February 9, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Ken Dennis
February 9, 2017
Alec McCowen was a most talented, versatile, and delightful actor who brought much pleasure in classical and contemporary roles. He was one of the last of his era, God bless him.
Anthony Mccrea
February 9, 2017
My condolences goes to the McCowen family for the loss of Alec. May the love of Our Heavenly Father provide the comfort you need in order to cope.
February 8, 2017
My condolences on your loss and may God comfort you during this difficult time ( John 11 : 25 ).
February 8, 2017
My condolences to the McCowen family. Hope all can have comfort from knowing that one day sickness and death will be a thing of the past.
Hamilton Family
February 8, 2017
We are so sorry for the family's loss. May you draw ever closer to our Heavenly Father in your time of need (James 4:8).
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