RIP Robert Vaughn

Another one from my childhood gone. But it shouldn't sound as if I'm sad about my personal losses. Thank you, Robert, for being Napoleon Solo and Major Krüger, Walter Chalmers, Senator Parker, Ross Webster and countless other characters.

Thank you also for being a staunch Democrat in these horrifying times. The world needs people like you more than ever.

--
Ceterum censeo OCTOPUSSY esse delendam.

RIP, Mr. Solo.

Met him once aboard a cruise ship while conducting a murder mystery program. Spoke with him after the performance -- nice gentleman (and no, he did not solve the case).

This former Marine reminded him of his dead-on performance as 'Captain Raymond Rambridge' in the TV series THE LIEUTENANT with Gary Lockwood.

Take 'em to Missouri

That's awesome, I don't have any stories of meeting famous people.


"You'll have to speak up I'm wearing a towel"

His COLUMBO turn is epic, worth searching out.

I was intrigued by the description of his early appearance in FRONTIER DOCTOR, "The Twisted Road". Watched it, pretty entertaining 26 minutes and he takes quite a punch. But seriously, showcases his potential for bad guys and good guys and everything in between.

http://youtu.be/j_mBnlSrecI

A good man still active in recent years, our friend leaves behind good stuff to enjoy.

What no man Can give ya. And none Can take away.

In addition to his successful acting career, let's note he was a Ph.D whose doctoral thesis was the book "Only Victims" about the Hollywood blacklist.

Surprised that Bap hasn't chimed in yet. He must be in grave mourning.

Bob Vaughn was a class act for sure! A real smooth operator. Basically an American James Bond. Whether a hero (as in UNCLE) or a slimy politician (as in BULLITT) he always excelled, with that silky voice of his which matched his suave persona. He even played a general in THE DELTA FORCE. See? Everything good always somehow ties back to that piece of classic cinema.

Someone mentioned meeting him on a cruise ship. Was Peter Falk there too? Because Bobby played a murderer aboard a cruise ship in the COLUMBO episode "Troubled Waters". He also played a fraudulent psychic matching wits with Jack Lord and Mildred Natwick in an episode of HAWAII FIVE-O "The Spirit is Willie".

Connery, Moore, and Brosnan! Accept NO substitutes!

Amen, he was the closest thing to an American Bond.

Verily I say unto thee...Of course I must comment on the passing of Robert Vaughn, the fact that I haven't until now is because I watch movies at the weekends and certainly don't access this board regardless of any breaking showbiz news. Vaughn was always a pleasure to watch in any role and I particularly recall him in many episodes of the great TV western shows of the 50's and 60's. He was excellent as the cowardly sheriff who eventually faced his fears in "Borrowed Glory", an episode of one of my favourite shows of any era "Bronco" starring Ty Hardin. Vaughn also shone in two episodes of "Wagon Train" particularly "The John Talbot Story" and also graced a "Bonanza" story called "The Way Station". One of his best performances from this era was as the young Theodore Roosevelt in "The Dude", an episode of the series "Law of the Plainsman" which concluded with a great punch strewn fight scene.

Vaughn reached his greatest level of fame though as Napoleon Solo in the wonderful "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." series which ran from 1964-8. I own every episode of this series and can name every episode in order of transmission, I can also remember every move in every fight scene in them which is quite a feat as there were over 100 episodes. Therefore whenever Mr. Vaughn's name comes up my thoughts immediately turn to the second part of "The Five Daughters Affair" episode (released as the movie THE KARATE KILLERS in the UK) when Solo and the erstwhile Illya Kuryakin race through the corridors of the villainous THRUSH's central headquarters beneath the Arctic ice cap exchanging heavy punches with many of the THRUSH sentries who blocked their path. Farewell Mr. Solo, farewell Mr.Vaughn and thanks for all you gave us over a long and commendable career.