Donald Moffat facts for kids

Donald Moffat (born 26 December 1930 – died 20 December 2018) was a British actor. He had a very long career in movies and on stage in the United States. He started acting on Broadway, which is famous for its plays. He was even nominated for a Tony Award for his work in plays like The Wild Duck. Donald Moffat also appeared in many popular films, including The Thing and The Right Stuff. You might also have seen him in TV shows like Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and The West Wing.

Early Life and Training

Donald Moffat was born in Plymouth, Devon, England. He was the only child of Kathleen Mary and Walter George Moffat. His father was from Scotland. After finishing school, he served in the British Army for a few years. Then, he went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. This is a famous school where people learn to act.

Acting Career

Donald Moffat's acting journey began on stage in London and New York City. His first job was with the Old Vic Theatre Company in London.

Starting in the United States

After moving to the United States, Moffat worked different jobs for a while. He was a bartender and even a lumberjack. But he soon realized that acting was his true calling. He said, "I realized that I was an actor and I would always be an actor. And an actor must act." So, he started acting again. His first acting job in the U.S. was in Princeton, New Jersey.

Stage Success

Donald Moffat joined a theater group called APA (The Association of Producing Artists) on Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1967. This award is one of the highest honors for stage actors. He was recognized for his roles in two plays: The Wild Duck and Right You Are If You Think You Are.

He also won an Obie Award for his performance in the play Painting Churches. Over the years, he acted in many other well-known plays. These included The Heiress, The Cherry Orchard, and even Hamlet.

Film Roles

Moffat also had many memorable roles in movies. He played Lyndon B. Johnson, who was a U.S. Vice President, in the film The Right Stuff (1983). He also played the U.S. president in Clear and Present Danger. Another famous role was Garry, the station commander, in the science fiction horror film The Thing.

Television Appearances

Donald Moffat was a familiar face on television too. He played Enos in the miniseries The Chisholms. He was also Lars Lundstrom in The New Land and Rem in the science-fiction series Logan's Run.

He made guest appearances in many popular shows. These included Columbo, The West Wing, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. One of his last roles was as a judge in an episode of Law & Order: Trial by Jury in 2005.

Personal Life

Donald Moffat married actress Anne Murray in 1954. They had two children, a daughter named Wendy and a son named Gabriel. They later divorced in 1968. He then married another actress, Gwen Arner.

Donald Moffat passed away on 20 December 2018, in Sleepy Hollow, New York. He was 87 years old.

Selected Film and TV Roles

See also

In Spanish: Donald Moffat para niños