Patrick McGoohan, who starred in and helped to create the cult classic television series The Prisoner, has died at the age of 80.
McGoohan debuted on British TV in 1964’s Danger Man, renamed Secret Agent when it came to the U.S. His role on 1967-68’s The Prisoner (AMC reruns) was that of spy who chose to resign and was exiled to a bizarre enclave called The Village where names are stripped away and a mysterious authority named Number One always prevents his escape. McGoohan came up with the concept and wrote and directed several episodes of the show, which has kept a devoted following in the United States and Europe for four decades. He voiced his Number Six character in an episode of The Simpsons in 2000.
The show is being remade as a series for AMC that premieres later this year.
“His creation of The Prisoner made an indelible mark on the sci-fi, fantasy and political thriller genres, creating one of the most iconic characters of all time,” AMC said in a statement Wednesday. “AMC hopes to honor his legacy in our re-imagining of The Prisoner.”
McGoohan won Emmys for outstanding guest actor in a drama for 1975 and 1990 episodes of Columbo. His last major role was in 1995’s Braveheart as the brutal king who battles Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Image courtesy of AMC
