Ep 1. Roddy McDowall: Hollywood's Best Friend
- October 8, 1998
Roddy McDowall: Hollywood's Best Friend is the first episode of the twelfth season of Biography, which focuses on the life and career of Roddy McDowall, one of Hollywood's most beloved actors, directors, and photographers.
The episode starts by retracing McDowall's early years as a child actor on the stage and screen in England, his move to America during World War II, and his rise to fame in Hollywood with breakout roles in such films as How Green Was My Valley and Lassie Come Home.
The episode also covers McDowall's close friendships with some of the biggest stars of the time, including Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Lauren Bacall, as well as his work with notable directors like John Ford, William Wyler, and George Cukor.
Throughout his career, McDowall was an active advocate for animal welfare and conservation, and the episode explores his work as a photographer and documentarian, depicting the beauty and fragility of wildlife in Africa and other parts of the world.
One of the most compelling aspects of this episode is the intimate portrait it paints of McDowall's personal life, including his struggles with coming out as gay in a conservative Hollywood climate and the close relationships he formed with his fellow actors, many of whom would remain lifelong friends.
Overall, Roddy McDowall: Hollywood's Best Friend is a moving tribute to a beloved actor, a passionate animal lover, and a true Hollywood icon.
