Probably one of the last things one thinks about in relationship to Mel Ferrer is sci-fi/fantasy/horror or any of the genre-related arms of the business. Afterall, he was the son of a Cuban-born surgeon and a Manhattan socialite who, at the woes of his parents dropped out of his sophomore year at Princeton University to chase after an acting career which began in the no to low-paying gigs in summer stock. However, this prestigous shaper of Hollywood and the entertainment business did his fair share of SF and related films and television.
Ferrer, a renowned actor/director/producer and writer was the one-time husband of another famed actress — Audrey Hepburn. He is most remembered for his outstanding roles in such films as “Lili,” “War and Peace,” “The Longest Day” and “The Fall of the Roman Empire.” But, he also made his mark with worthy performances as Geppetto in the anthology series “Stories From My Childhood,” and guest spots on such 60’s and 70’s TV icons like “Fantasy Island,” “Wonder Woman,” the “Logan’s Run” television show and the Bermuda Triangle saga “The Fantastic Journey,” as well as weilding Excaliber as Arthur in “Knights of the Round Table.”
His 1998 portrayal of Geppetto would be his last public appearance in a film or television outing.
Mel Ferrer, Hollywood icon — dead at the age of 90.
I enjoyed “The Fantastic Journey”. Mel was a good director and actor.