Seldom does a subject come to the fore which requires us to be sincere; yet the sad news of Patrick McGoohan?s death is undeniably one of them.
The American-born actor is undoubtedly one of the greatest masters of his craft to grace our screens. Perhaps best known as the enigmatic Number 6 in the brilliant cult 60s series The Prisoner, he was also a talented writer, director, and producer for this as well as other series. He would often use a pseudonym for his off-screen roles; such was the level of his modesty.
Patrick received two Emmys while working on Columbo, and was more recently recognised for playing King Edward in Braveheart, probably the only vaguely factually-correct role in the film. As the Warden in Escape from Alcatraz we saw him play another villain, and his performance easily challenged Eastwood?s for the most memorable of the film.
Prior to starring as the retired secret agent in The Prisoner, McGoohan played the lead character, John Drake, in the spy thriller Danger Man. It was often suggested that the spy he played in Danger Man and Number 6 were in fact one and the same, though Patrick denied this.
It was the riddles, mysteries, moral codes, integrity, modesty, philosophy, imagination, and ability to provoke profound thought that McGoohan weaved into his characters and his own life which has elevated him above his peers.
He has left a great legacy and will not be forgotten.
[story by Keith Emmerson]
Chris says
It has been rumoured that he was to play a cameo in the upcoming new Prisoner series. I hope he had this opportunity and if so.. it would be his last ever role.