At first glance, being an actor seems easy—starring in films, appearing on talk shows, and gaining fame, money, and popularity. However, that’s only one side of the coin. In reality, people don’t see the full picture and often think that acting in films or performing in theatre is simple and effortless. Today, we’ll talk about the renowned English actor Malcolm McDowell, who endured a long and challenging journey to achieve success and fame. Read more about the life and career of this showbiz star on leedski.com.
Youth and Education
The future actor was born in 1943 in Leeds. Malcolm grew up in a large family with two sisters.
As a teenager, McDowell worked at the Planters nut factory in Aintree and in his father’s pub. Even during his school years, he attended acting classes and later pursued acting studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
After completing his studies, McDowell worked as an extra with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Development of an Acting Career
McDowell’s acting career began in 1968 when he debuted in the film If…. This was followed by roles in movies such as Figures in a Landscape and O Lucky Man! However, true fame came to Malcolm McDowell with his role in the film A Clockwork Orange. He played the role of an antisocial delinquent and was nominated for a Golden Globe, the National Society of Film Critics Award, and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor. Notably, after this role, McDowell was frequently cast as a villain.
He went on to appear in films such as The Raging Moon, Royal Flash, Caligula, The Collection, Laurence Olivier Presents, Aces High, Voyage of the Damned, She Fell Among Thieves, and Time After Time.
In 1979, McDowell made his Hollywood debut in the film Time After Time.
During the 1980s, McDowell starred in the action film Blue Thunder and the remake of Cat People. In 1983, he played the Wolf in Red Riding Hood for Faerie Tale Theatre, where his wife also starred as Red Riding Hood.
In 1994, McDowell took on the role of a mad scientist in Star Trek Generations.
Recent Years
Throughout his career, McDowell has played numerous roles. In recent years, he portrayed Jonas Slaughter in the series Law & Order: Criminal Intent, appeared in the first season of NBC’s Heroes, and starred in films such as Jerry Was a Man, Halloween, Halloween II, Suck, Two Wolves, and The Book of Eli.
In 2011, McDowell starred in The Artist, a role that earned him an Academy Award. A year later, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2013, McDowell was awarded Best Actor at the Los Angeles Movie Awards for his lead role in the psychological thriller The Employer.
Additionally, McDowell hosts the radio show Fangoria’s Dreadtime Stories and has interpreted the poetry of Gabriele Tinti.
Malcolm McDowell first married in 1975 to Margot Bennett, but the couple divorced after five years. Following the divorce, McDowell married actress Mary Steenburgen, and they had two children. The couple divorced in 1990. McDowell then married Kelly Kuhr, with whom he has three children.
This is the story of a renowned actor who has never stopped striving for greatness. We hope this article was informative and that you learned more about this accomplished Leeds native.