The Birds Actor Rod Taylor Has Died at 84
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Rod Taylor
Shadow2700 — 11 years ago(January 08, 2015 05:34 PM)
The Birds Actor Rod Taylor Has Died at 84
Legendary actor Rod Taylor die5b4d of natural causes Wednesday, his rep tells PEOPLE. He was 84.
The Australia-born movie star appeared in more than 50 Hollywood films throughout his career, from The Time Machine and The Train Robbers to The Catered Affair. More recently, he voiced Pongo in Disney's family-favorite 101 Dalmatians and played Winston Churchill in Inglourious Basterds.
But his most iconic role was that of Mitch Brenner in Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 classic The Birds, opposite Tippi Hedren.
"There are so many incredible feelings I have for him. Rod was a great pal to me and a real strength, we were very, very good friends," Hedren, 84, said in a statement. "He was one of the most fun people I have ever met, thoughtful and classy, there was everything good in that man."
Taylor died at home, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 35 years, and their daughter Felicia.
"My dad loved his work. Being an actor was his passion calling it an honorable art and something he couldnt live without," Felicia, a former CNN News correspondent, said in a statement.
"He once said, 'I am a poor student sitting at the feet of giants, yearning for their wisdom and begging for lessons that might one day make me a complete artist," she continued, " 'so that if all goes well, I may one day sit beside them.' " -
Mr_Beale — 11 years ago(January 08, 2015 07:39 PM)
RIP
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Big G-2 — 11 years ago(January 08, 2015 07:52 PM)
Had a very bad day today, then I hear this news.
Needless to say, this is a heart breaker. Thank you for your work in great movies like THE TIME MACHINE & THE BIRDS.
And ironically, TCM just played THE TIME MACHINE this past Saturday. -
SassyLeo — 11 years ago(January 08, 2015 09:11 PM)
I too watched it AGAIN and still enjoy it every time. He was so handsome. It sounds like his passing was maybe peaceful and I'm glad his family was with him during his last moments.
This generation of people are far different than what we have today, and I'm glad to exist in a time when I can click on TCM and be taken back to a much simpler, kinder time. We've lost some huge legends in the entertainment world over the last year. They're dwindling!
Many condolences & prayers to his wife and daughter. Rest in Peace, sir! -
mrsehj-1 — 11 years ago(January 08, 2015 07:59 PM)
I admired him and his films I remember as a kid being scared to death watching "The Birds", but I watched it anyway because I had a crush on him. I must have watched "The Time Machine" at dozen times.So Many of my favorite Actors are passing away,So Sad to hear he is gone from us, Rest In Peace.
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bridgetjones12002 — 11 years ago(January 08, 2015 08:32 PM)
I can't believe this is not even up on IMDB yet. I feel devastated. He was one of my childhood crushes and starred in so many favorite movies of my youth. He was a rugged, handsome, movie star!
The Time Machine (my all time fave), The Birds, Separate Tables (I got the DVD last week and haven't watched it yet), Sunday in New York, Fate is the Hunter. Hotel and many, many more.
He was admired and loved and from everything I've read over the years had a wonderful life. Plus, he was DROP DEAD GORGEOUS and elegant in his hey day, and still cute as an elderly man. Just a real charmer.
Thank you for all the wonderful films and performances I will treasure. You will never be forgotten. RIP Mr. Taylor. The world is a little lonelier now that you are not in it.
Remember us, for we too have lived, loved and laughed