The Man from UNCLE has passed. Robert Vaughn died yesterday, aged 83. Acute leukemia reportedly claimed his life.
Vaughn had a long and successful career as an actor. His first acting job was in the mid-1950s; his last, in 2012. During his career, he made literally hundreds of appearances in TV shows or film.
Vaughn was nominated for at least one Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor, 1960, The Young Philadelphians). He also played the lead role in several successful TV series – including the one for which he’s best known, “The Man from UNCLE”.
So, why am I mentioning an actor here? As was the case with many actors of his era, Vaughn was a veteran. He was drafted shortly after graduating from college, and served in the US Army.
RIP, Mr. Vaughn.
Comments
31 responses to “RIP, Napoleon Solo”
Closing Channel D.
RIP, Mr. Vaughn.
RIP, Napoleon!
Man from UNCLE was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid.
I would add that he had an actual, not mail-order, doctorate. He was Dr.Robert Vaugnn, PhD. As for “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” I still recall the envy I felt when one of my friends rec’d the Man from U.N.C.L.E. brief case on Christmas. It was way too cool.
Got this as a “shared” present with my 1 yr older brother for Christmas that year. Was pretty sweet. That cord for the walky talky lasted about 30 seconds…running into opposite rooms.
I figured you for a “My Favorite Martian” fan. I bet you even followed Bill Bixby and The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.
I was busy watching Rat Patrol
Actually, I bought a VCR to ensure that I never missed an episode of Powder Puff Girls.
I loved the Rat Patrol! But man they were the worst .50 caliber shots in the theater. Missed more Germans than Captain John Yossarian.
Missed more shots than a Imperial Stormtrooper
God speed, Mr. Vaughn.
My all-time list:
Get Smart
Rat Patrol
Combat
The F.B.I.
The Untouchables
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
F Troop
The Rifleman
Superman
Loonie Tunes
It’s Academic
Bonanza
Wide World of Sports (Except figure skating and bowling)
Rat Patrol
Combat
12 O’Clock High
The Rifleman
Superman (Lois Lane…oh yea)
Loonie Tunes
Cheyenne
Rawhide
Gilligan’s Island (for spank bank material).
Oh Oh! and the That Was The Week That Was Girl! Oh yes!!!!
RIP, Mr. Vaughn.
I had the Man from U.N.C.L.E. attache case – that probably influenced my love for guns.
Damn. That’s the one I referred to above that my best friend got one Christmas. I did get the Combat machine gun about that time so I can’t complain.
Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Vaughn.
Watching “Bridge at Remagen” today at work when I read this. I remember watching this on TV with my dad when I was a kid. RIP Mr Vaughn!!!
I can’t believe nobody’s mentioning The Magnificent Seven!
Great film, although Vaughn seemed to get lost in the rest of a remarkable cast. Even though it was basically a re-write of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, it still belongs on a short list of best westerns. Another was Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch with almost as good a cast, but a better script, IMOH.
the LAST of the Magnificent Seven, to boot
I can’t forgive him fo the way he treated the A Team.
Rest in Peace Mr. Vaughn. Thank you for serving.
I always thought Illya Kuryakin was a bit… light in the loafers. Thanks for keeping it manly.
RIP to the coolest character from the cheesy sci-fi flick “Battle Beyond The Stars.”
Rest in peace, Mr. Vaughn.
I must be too old for this group. My memory of Robert Vaughn is his roll as Company Commander Captain Ray Rambridge, mentor of USMC Lt. William Rice (Gary Lockwood) in “The Lieutenant”, a 1963-64 TV series created by Gene Roddenberry. Back when Hollywood still showed the U.S. Military as the good guys
If you see one movie this year, see Hacksaw Ridge. A tremendous movie.
While he did serve in the military he was also had a prominent role in the anti-war movement during Vietnam. He participated in anti-war rallies and supported anti-war candidates. I understand he had the right to do so, but lets not make him out to be a patriot, because he served in the Army at a time when the draft was in place.
Medal of Honor recipient David Shoup (USMC) was also against the Vietnam War. Was he not a patriot?
Heck the Joint Chiefs told both JFK & LBJ the war was a bad idea.
Ok, hands up; who here bought a Walther P38 because of Man from U.N.C.L.E.?
If memory serves, Robert Vaughn had a small role in the movie Delta Force as the Chairman of the JSC. (Calls Lee Marvin, who is at the “O” club bar at Ft. Bragg)