Rod Taylor: Pulling No Punches*

The late Australian actor Rod Taylor, whose most recent role is in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, was a versatile and popular leading man, equally adept at romantic comedy, adventure and dramatic roles. Taylor’s rugged on-screen and off-screen persona created a brand of Australian masculinity now enjoyed by actors such as Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth. During the 1950s through to 1970s he featured in many “A list” films: The VIP’s, The Birds, The Time Machine, 36 Hours, Sunday in New York, Young Cassidy, The Glass Bottom Boat, Hotel, The Train Robbers and Zabriski Point. He was one of the first leading actors to voice a Disney animated character when he portrayed the hero, Pongo, in 101 Dalmatians. He worked with Directors such as the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, George Stevens, Michelangelo Antonioni, John Ford and George Pal. He made a seamless transition from feature films to TV and starred in popular TV series such Hong Kong, Bearcats, Murder She Wrote, Falcon’s Crest and Walker – Texas Ranger. In Rod Taylor: Pulling No Punches, a variety of actors, film critics, writers, directors and Rod reflect on his colourful life and career which spanned more than 50 years.