"Prisoner" Star Patrick McGoohan Dies

Actor Who Starred In "Secret Agent," Won Emmys For "Columbo," Dies In L.A. At 80

(CBS/AP)  Patrick McGoohan, an actor who created and starred in the cult classic TV show "The Prisoner," died Tuesday in Los Angeles after a short illness. He was 80.

His son-in-law, film producer Cleve Landsberg, announced the news Wednesday.

McGoohan starred in the 1960s CBS series "Secret Agent," and won two Emmys for his guest appearances on the detective drama "Columbo." Most recently he appeared as King Edward Longshanks in the 1995 Mel Gibson Academy Award-winning film "Braveheart."

But he was most famous as the character known only as Number Six in "The Prisoner," a 1968 British series about a spy who resigns from the intelligence service, only to be abducted and held captive in a mysterious haven known as The Village. There his overseers strip him of his identity in their attempts to glean information, while thwarting his attempts to escape.

Prior to "The Prisoner," McGoohan starred in "Secret Agent" (also known as "Danger Man"), which debuted in 1964, and whose memorable theme song seemed to speak of the hazards facing the characters in both series ("They've given you a number, and taken away your name").

McGoohan's agent, Sharif Ali, said Wednesday that the actor was still active in Hollywood, with two offers for wide-release films on the table when he died. "The man was just cool," Ali said. "It was an honor to have him here and work with him. ... He was one of those actors, a real actor. He didn't have a lie."

Born in New York on March 19, 1928, McGoohan was raised in England and Ireland, where his family moved shortly after his birth. He had a busy stage career before moving to television, and won a London Drama Critics Award for playing the title role in the Henrik Ibsen play "Brand."

He married stage actress Joan Drummond in 1951. The oldest of their three daughters, Catherine, is also an actress.

After "Secret Agent"'s success," McGoohan pitched to producers the surreal and cerebral "The Prisoner" to give himself a challenge. McGoohan also wrote and directed several episodes of the series.

Although only 17 episodes were made, it became a cult favorite, and its cultural impact continues, as evident by his guest appearance playing Number Six in a 2000 episode of "The Simpsons."

The show is being remade as a series for AMC to premiere later this year.

"His creation of 'The Prisoner' made an indelible mark on the sci-fi, fantasy and political thriller genres, creating one of the most iconic characters of all time," AMC said in a statement Wednesday. "AMC hopes to honor his legacy in our re-imagining of 'The Prisoner.'"

Later came smaller roles in film and television. McGoohan won Emmys for guest spots on "Columbo" 16 years apart, in 1974 and 1990.

His film credits include "Ice Station Zebra," the 1979 Clint Eastwood film "Escape from Alcatraz," the John Grisham courtroom drama "A Time To Kill," "Silver Streak," and "Scanners." He also starred in the 1963 Disney TV film "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh," playing an 18th century English country priest who thwarts the king's minions as a disguised avenger.

His last major role was in "Braveheart," in what The Associated Press called a "standout" performance as the brutal king who battles Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace, played by Gibson.

In his review of the film for the Los Angeles Times critic Peter Rainer said "McGoohan is in possession of perhaps the most villainous enunciation in the history of acting."

McGoohan is survived by his wife and three daughters.

[spiritwalk]

How strange is it that Jim Caviezel was cast as the lead in the new Prisoner mini-series? Jesus is #6?

[hober_mallow]

McGoohan''s ''Secret Agent Man'' had possibly the best TV theme song of all time. The ''Secret Agent Man'' theme song became a hit for Johnny Rivers.

"... Secret AAAA-gent Man... They''re giving you a numbuh, and takin'' ''way your name..."

[piercetheval]

...Be seeing you, Number 6!

[hatesthecolt]

The Prisoner was ahead of its time! Great show and mostly because of McGoohan.

[spiritwalk]

My parents and grandparents have fond memories of you, in World War II, as you had a merry time at their pub.
Posted by glennguderia
------------------------------------------
I don''t know why you posted that 4 times, but since you did I would like to point out that when WWII started McGoohan was 11 years old, he evacuated to a private boys school until age 16 and shortly after was bed ridden with bronchial asthma, so I doubt he was doing much pub crawling.

I have really enjoyed your film and tv shows Pat...real good work. I loved your work Pat. Bless You.

[glennguderia]

My parents and grandparents have fond memories of you, in World War II, as you had a merry time at their pub.

[glennguderia]

My parents and grandparents have fond memories of you, in World War II, as you had a merry time at their pub.

[glennguderia]

My parents and grandparents have fond memories of you, in World War II, as you had a merry time at their pub.

[boston1954]

I remember Secret Agent and the Scarecrow. Also he was very good in Columbo. A really good actor. They seem to be dropping like flies lately.

[glennguderia]

My parents and grandparents have fond memories of you, in World War II, as you had a merry time at their pub.

[sepulchre27]

A fond farewll from all free men everywhere. You opened my eyes.

[quatermass2]

Thank you, Pat. Your work was great.

[likeitis5050]

Two major losses in one week (3 if you count Ertha)...sad time. But boy did they leave behind some big shoes to fill!!! Rest in Peace...All.

[murrowseye]

Dear Citizens of the Village,

"The Prisoner," perhaps the greatest television show ever. I have Patrick McGoohan to thank for opening my mind to some of the complexities of the human condition. Those 17 hours made me think more than most classes I ever had.

One of the great things about McGoohan''s approach was to allow the viewer to come up with his or her own interpretation of what was going on. Though some elements of the Prisoner may seem dated, most of its analysis of human social interaction remains relevant and always will.

As for a new interpretation of "The Prisoner," I am very wary. Remakes of classics are often ridiculous shams of the original. I imagine Mr. McGoohan would want me to keep an open mind. Christopher Eccleston has a big number 6 to fill. He fell short in Doctor Who. I hope he does not with "The Prisoner."

And to the Number 2s out there, I refrain, "I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered! My life is my own...I am not a number! I am a free man!"

Be Seeing You!

Murrow''s Eye

[NMlost]

Nice article on Ricardo on ABC''s Entertainment page.

[crickit53]

Long live number 6 - patrick mcgoohan was a great actor and his ideas in the Prisoner will live on - "AMC hopes to honor his legacy in our re-imagining of ''The Prisoner''" - people die:ideas don''t - this man encapsulated so many ideas so well - Craig Rickard Australia

[rwsmith29456]

I saw something on Ricardo M. It''s breaking news. I''m sure it will be all over tomorrow. As for Patrick McGoohan I really liked the characters he played and "The Prisoner" was groundbreaking. And wasn''t P.M. "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" in the old Disney TV show?

[linfinster]

Ricardo M died? ow that is too bad. AND sad that it isn''t in the news also.

[tucson23]

Well I''m sad to see it, but also disturbed because Ricardo Montalban died today, and there''s no mention of it on this page.