Rod Taylor

Suave and handsome Australian actor who came to Hollywood in the 1950s, and built himself up from a supporting actor into taking the lead in several well remembered movies. Arguably his most fondly remembered role was that as George the inventor in George Pal's spectacular "The Time Machine" (1960). As the movie finished with George, and his best friend Filby (Alan Young) seemingly parting forever, both actors were brought back together in 1993 to film a 30 minute epilogue to the original movie. Taylor's virile, matinee idol looks also assisted him in scoring the lead of Mitch Brenner in Alfred Hitchcock's creepy thriller "The Birds" (1963), the lead role of Mike Mitchell in the romantic tale of "Sunday in New York" (1963), and another romantic lead opposite Doris Day in "The Glass Bottom Boat" (1966). Taylor also appeared in many westerns and action movies during the 1960s; however, none of them were much better than "B" pictures and failed to push his star to the next level. Additionally, Taylor was cast as the lead in several TV series including "Bearcats!" (1971), "Masquerade" (1983), and "Outlaws" (1986); however, none of them truly ignited viewer interest, and they were canceled after only one or two seasons. Most fans would agree that Rod Taylor's last great role was in the wonderful Australian film "The Picture Show Man" (1977), about a traveling side show bringing "moving pictures" to remote towns in the Australian outback.