A talented actor and singer who brought iconic characters to life on stage and screen, most notably as Fagin in the 1968 musical film "Oliver!".
Ron Moody, a stalwart of the stage and screen, is best known for his iconic portrayal of Fagin in the 1968 film adaptation of Oliver!, a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. His performance as the infamous PICKPOCKET KING in Lionel Bart's musical masterpiece cemented Moody's status as a household name.
Born Ronald Moodnick on January 8, 1924, in Tottenham, Middlesex, Moody was the son of Kate (née Ogus) and Bernard Barnett Moodnick, a studio executive. His father was a Russian Jew, and his mother was a Lithuanian Jew, making Moody, in his own words, "100% Jewish, totally kosher."
Moody's career spanned multiple genres, from drama to comedy, and from stage to screen. Despite training to be an economist at the London School of Economics, Moody's passion for the performing arts led him to pursue a career in acting. During World War II, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, where he served as a radar technician.
Moody's portrayal of Fagin in Oliver! is widely regarded as one of the most iconic performances in musical theater history. He created the role in the original West End production in 1960 and reprised it in the 1984 Broadway revival, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
Ron Moody's contributions to the world of theater and film are undeniable. His iconic performance as Fagin has inspired generations of actors and continues to captivate audiences to this day. Moody's legacy serves as a testament to the power of performance and the enduring impact of a truly memorable character.
Ron Moody passed away on June 11, 2015, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.