Actor. A prolific performer, often cast in comedic roles, he will be best remembered for playing the criminal ringleader 'Fagin' in the motion picture "Oliver!" (1968). He earned a Golden Globe Award and received an Academy Award nomination for the role. Born Ronald Moodnick, the son of a Jewish father who immigrated from Europe, he worked as a wages clerk at Elstree Studios at the age of sixteen and during World War II, he served as a radar mechanic with the Royal Air Force. Upon his return home, he enrolled at the London School of Economics, where he studied Sociology and Psychology. It was during this period by accident, he discovered his fondness for the theater, when he was talked into performing in a school play. He went on to become a sociologist, but gravitated to entertainment and began to appear in British TV and films during the late 1950s. In 1960, he made his debut playing 'Fagin' in "Oliver!" on London's West End. He co-starred opposite Margaret Rutherford in picture "The Mouse on the Moon" (1963) and was reunited with her in the 'Miss Marple' film "Murder Most Foul" (1964). He starred as 'Vorobyaninov' in the Mel Brooks' picture "The Twelve Chairs" (1970). In 1984, Moody repeated his role of 'Fagin' in the Broadway adaptation of "Oliver!" and received a Tony Award nomination.
Actor. A prolific performer, often cast in comedic roles, he will be best remembered for playing the criminal ringleader 'Fagin' in the motion picture "Oliver!" (1968). He earned a Golden Globe Award and received an Academy Award nomination for the role. Born Ronald Moodnick, the son of a Jewish father who immigrated from Europe, he worked as a wages clerk at Elstree Studios at the age of sixteen and during World War II, he served as a radar mechanic with the Royal Air Force. Upon his return home, he enrolled at the London School of Economics, where he studied Sociology and Psychology. It was during this period by accident, he discovered his fondness for the theater, when he was talked into performing in a school play. He went on to become a sociologist, but gravitated to entertainment and began to appear in British TV and films during the late 1950s. In 1960, he made his debut playing 'Fagin' in "Oliver!" on London's West End. He co-starred opposite Margaret Rutherford in picture "The Mouse on the Moon" (1963) and was reunited with her in the 'Miss Marple' film "Murder Most Foul" (1964). He starred as 'Vorobyaninov' in the Mel Brooks' picture "The Twelve Chairs" (1970). In 1984, Moody repeated his role of 'Fagin' in the Broadway adaptation of "Oliver!" and received a Tony Award nomination.
Bio by: C.S.
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