Taylor's breakthrough came in 1960 with "The Time Machine," George Pal's special effects marvel in which Taylor's dogged British inventor transports himself into a future where he witnesses world wars, nuclear annihilation and, finally, the rise of a new society.
From there, his career went on to blossom in Westerns ("The Train Robbers" with John Wayne), thrillers (Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds"), dramas (John Ford's "Young Cassidy") and romantic comedies ("Sunday in New York" with Jane Fonda and "Do Not Disturb" and "The Glass Bottom Boat" with Doris Day).
Later in life, Quentin Tarantino convinced Taylor to come out of retirement to play Winston Churchill in "Inglorious Basterds."
He played Debbie Reynolds' fiance in "The Catered Affair," Elizabeth Taylor's failed suitor in "Giant," and Eva Marie Saint's would-be lover in "Raintree County," and had brief roles in "Separate Tables" and "Ask Any Girl."
As his star rose, Taylor earned a reputation as something of a Hollywood hellion, a hard-drinking, womanizing, combative man who enjoyed giving outspoken interviews punctuated with four-letter words.
Born in Sydney, Australia, he first sought a career as an artist before trying his hand at acting in small theatrical productions, which led to movie offers.
Actor Rod Taylor dies in Los Angeles at 84
From there, his career went on to blossom in Westerns ("The Train Robbers" with John Wayne), thrillers (Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds"), dramas (John Ford's "Young Cassidy") and romantic comedies ("Sunday in New York" with Jane Fonda and "Do Not Disturb" and "The Glass Bottom Boat" with Doris Day).
Later in life, Quentin Tarantino convinced Taylor to come out of retirement to play Winston Churchill in "Inglorious Basterds."
He played Debbie Reynolds' fiance in "The Catered Affair," Elizabeth Taylor's failed suitor in "Giant," and Eva Marie Saint's would-be lover in "Raintree County," and had brief roles in "Separate Tables" and "Ask Any Girl."
As his star rose, Taylor earned a reputation as something of a Hollywood hellion, a hard-drinking, womanizing, combative man who enjoyed giving outspoken interviews punctuated with four-letter words.
Born in Sydney, Australia, he first sought a career as an artist before trying his hand at acting in small theatrical productions, which led to movie offers.
Actor Rod Taylor dies in Los Angeles at 84
