The actor who tried to warn audiences about “The Invasion of the Body Snatchers” has passed away.
Kevin McCarthy passed away Saturday according to the Associated Press. McCarthy was 96.
McCarthy’s acting career began in the Broadway play “Abe Lincoln in Illinois.” The actor appeared in numerous stage and screen roles but is best known for his work in “Body Snatchers.”
In the 1956 film, he vainly tried to warn residents in his small town of the evil pod people from outer space who were quietly taking over the personalities of everyone on Earth.
His frantic shouting of “You’re next!” to those in approaching cars became so well known among science-fiction fans that he was often asked to spoof the role. He more or less did that in the opening minutes of the 1978 remake, which starred Donald Sutherland as the hero menaced by the pod people.
McCarthy has also appeared in “Twilight Zone: The Movie” and “InnerSpace.”
McCarthy was born in Seattle on Feb. 15, 1914. He, his sister, author Mary McCarthy, and their two brothers were orphaned when their parents died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. They were raised by relatives.
His first marriage, to Augusta Dabney, produced three children. His second, to Kate Crane, produced two children.
He lived a long and productive life. R.I.P. Kevin. You have just experienced the ultimate body snatch.
I loved im in the original Piranha, Distinguished Gentleman and Twilight Zone movies. RIP.
I will always remember him from Invasion of the Body Snatchers and his excellent cameo in the (better) 1978 version with Leonard Nimoy!
Now I have another reason to get the original Piranha, now on blu-ray. Haven’t seen that in years… forgot he was in it.
Good Actor and genre Icon. RIP Kevin!!!!
And don’t forget his “the guy everybody hates” role in UHF!