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villager

(26,001 posts)
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 10:31 PM Jan 2015

"Birds" Actor Rod Taylor Has Died at 84

Source: People

Legendary actor Rod Taylor died 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 his daughter Felicia.

"My dad loved his work. Being an actor was his passion – calling it an honorable art and something he couldn’t live without," Felicia, a former CNN News correspondent, said in a statement.

<snip>

Read more: http://www.people.com/article/rod-taylor-dies

20 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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"Birds" Actor Rod Taylor Has Died at 84 (Original Post) villager Jan 2015 OP
K&R Stellar Jan 2015 #1
He was great Scairp Jan 2015 #2
That is sad KT2000 Jan 2015 #3
Yes he was. Hassin Bin Sober Jan 2015 #5
Did he die in CA or in Australia? angstlessk Jan 2015 #4
Los Angeles, California Brother Buzz Jan 2015 #9
RIP n/t Non-Automatic_Belief Jan 2015 #6
RIP... Tom_Foolery Jan 2015 #7
Just watched "Birds" about a month ago... elias49 Jan 2015 #8
One of the first films that ever scared me... villager Jan 2015 #10
You too? MicaelS Jan 2015 #15
Exactly. Though did they have the "eye peck" shot in the original (NBC?) broadcasts? villager Jan 2015 #17
I think you're right. MicaelS Jan 2015 #18
I think that was it -- they left in the "body shot" and cut the rest. villager Jan 2015 #19
kick TheNutcracker Jan 2015 #11
k and r niyad Jan 2015 #12
.... DeSwiss Jan 2015 #13
My gosh...I didn't even know he was still alive but thought that he was older than 84... SoapBox Jan 2015 #14
One of my favorite actors project_bluebook Jan 2015 #16
The Birds scared the hell out of me way back then edbermac Jan 2015 #20

Brother Buzz

(36,419 posts)
9. Los Angeles, California
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:09 PM
Jan 2015

He returned to Australia several times over the years to make films but died in LA

 

elias49

(4,259 posts)
8. Just watched "Birds" about a month ago...
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:02 PM
Jan 2015

it was running on a cable station. So good and yet so bad (the movie).

 

villager

(26,001 posts)
10. One of the first films that ever scared me...
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:15 PM
Jan 2015

...back when the only way to see movies at home was on broadcast networks, with commercials...

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
15. You too?
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 12:57 AM
Jan 2015

Watched that film on TV way back in the 1960s, age 10 or so. That scene with the guy with his eyes pecked out, freaked me right the fuck out. I had nightmares for a week.

Now, I love the film.

 

villager

(26,001 posts)
17. Exactly. Though did they have the "eye peck" shot in the original (NBC?) broadcasts?
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 01:14 AM
Jan 2015

They must've, because I had the same nightmares.

But I think it was a much quicker cut than in the original film?

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
18. I think you're right.
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 01:53 AM
Jan 2015

Just checked the original scene on my hard drive recording.

First, there a full shot of his entire body. I think they showed just that on TV, and it was a quick cut. Then there are two close ups. One of his torso and head, then a final closeup up of just his head. I think they cut those out completely.

These days, I have another issue with this film. The ages / sexual dynamics of the Mother (Jessica Tandy), Son (Rod Taylor) and Daughter (Veronica Cartwright) creeps me out.

Tandy was 54.
Taylor was 33, (but looks older to me, say 45).
Hedren was 33.
Cartwright was 14.

Taylor's character keeps calling his mother "darling". Cartwright is young enough to be Taylor's daughter, but she is his sister. Tandy's character is clearly sexually jealous of Hedren's. I have to turn off my brain, and just watch it for the shock value.

 

villager

(26,001 posts)
19. I think that was it -- they left in the "body shot" and cut the rest.
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 02:36 AM
Jan 2015

I remember being shocked anew when I saw those close-ups at a screening at some 70's-era repertory cinema.

As for all the sexual mixed messaging -- remember, it's Hitchcock!

SoapBox

(18,791 posts)
14. My gosh...I didn't even know he was still alive but thought that he was older than 84...
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 12:12 AM
Jan 2015

RIP Mr. Taylor.

p.s...the pic at the link...he was SO very handsome.

edbermac

(15,938 posts)
20. The Birds scared the hell out of me way back then
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 04:13 AM
Jan 2015

Some great set pieces but today the FX in a few scenes are a little cheesy looking.

RIP

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