07/13/2007
Sinbad Actor Kerwin Mathews Dies at 81
The NYT reports that "the death was confirmed by his partner of 46 years, Tom Nicoll."
In addition to playing Sinbad in 1957, Mathews has plenty of other roles.
From the obit:
"During his 20-year career, Mr. Mathews acted in 22 movies and made many television appearances. He is also known for playing Dr. Lemuel Gulliver, tied to the ground by the little people of the island of Lilliput, in Mr. Harryhausen’s 1960 movie The 3 Worlds of Gulliver. Mr. Mathews was born in Seattle on Jan. 8, 1926. After graduating from Beloit College in Wisconsin, he taught high school English in Lake Geneva, Wis. In the early 1950s he moved to California and won a part in a play at the Pasadena Playhouse. An agent spotted him and got him a contract with Columbia Pictures. Mr. Mathews retired from acting in 1978 and moved to San Francisco. Except as Sinbad and Gulliver, Mr. Nicoll said, Mr. Mathews was never satisfied with merely playing action roles. 'He always wanted to do light comedy, or something more weighty,' he said. Then, in 1963, Mr. Mathews was cast as Johann Strauss Jr. in the Disney television production The Waltz King. 'He was most proud to play Strauss,' Mr. Nicoll said, 'and that he had to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic. Whether they actually followed him I don’t know, but he tried very hard.'"
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 3:45 PM EST by Andy in Deaths, Film, News | Permalink
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Kerwin Matthews was so good looking. I had no idea he was family, but lusting over him as Sinbad, it's cool to know now. RIP Kerwin.
Posted by: Bobby | Jul 13, 2007 5:32:24 PM
'the 7th voyage of sinbad' was one of my favorite flicks as a kid (and it's still a lot of fun). kerwin's hairy chest held a strange appeal for this little gayling.
good to know he would have appreciated the admiration. it's just a shame that i didn't know that back then.
Posted by: el polacko | Jul 13, 2007 6:02:45 PM
El Polacko,
You took the words right out of my mouth except I think your "little gayling" is a bit more PC than the "little faglit" that I was going to use.
Posted by: Zeke | Jul 13, 2007 6:44:17 PM
Wow I never heard anything about him being family but definitely enjoyed him in the Sinbad movie. Makes you wish more celebs would just come out. Knowing Sinbad was gay and partnered would have been a big help to me 30 years ago.
Posted by: Jersey | Jul 13, 2007 6:52:58 PM
I believe Mr. Matthews was one of Henry Wilson's Boys (others included Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter).
R
Posted by: Rob | Jul 13, 2007 7:27:10 PM
Rob--
Interesting. I had never heard of Henry Wilson. I just googled him. I see "The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson" is about him. I'll get it. Thanks.
Posted by: woodroad34 | Jul 13, 2007 7:36:50 PM
Cosign with Zeke, El Polacko and Bobby!
I had a big crush on him as Sinbad. Damn, I wish I knew back then!
Anybody know if any of the Tarzans were gay?
Posted by: soulbrotha | Jul 13, 2007 7:52:31 PM
just checked my copy of "the man who invented rock hudson". it made no mention of kerwin mathews in the index. henry willson was an interesting man and robert hofler's book is good.
Posted by: titus | Jul 14, 2007 3:50:42 PM