Kevin McCarthy

A prolific performer who bridged the divide between leading man of decidedly B-movies and character player in more prestige offerings, Kevin McCarthy was a working actor since he made his Broadway debut in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" (1938). The younger brother of famed writer Mary McCarthy, he served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, toured in "Winged Victory," and reprised his stage role in the 1944 film. But McCarthy earned more attention for what was considered his feature acting debut - the role of the disillusioned son Biff in the 1951 screen adaptation of Arthur Miller's classic, "Death of a Salesman." Nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, the actor seemed poised for a major film career. He marked time, however, until Don Siegel cast him as Dr. Miles Bennel in the sci-fi classic, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956). As the somewhat hysterical survivor of a community infested by space alien pod people, McCarthy anchored the film which only grew in stature since its initial release. In fact, in Philip Kaufman's 1978 remake, the actor had a small but pivotal role that was an homage to the original. His subsequent film career included playing Henry Fonda's campaign aide in "The Best Man" (1964), a roller derby magnate in "Kansas City Bomber" (1972), and a smarmy lobbyist in "The Distinguished Gentlemen" (1992).