Senate Resolution No. 503
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Donald Moffat, legendary
actor, distinguished citizen and gifted artist
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
just tribute to the memory of those prominent individuals whose creative
talents have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of
the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Donald Moffat, a beloved actor of stage, screen and
television, died on Thursday, December 20, 2018, in Sleepy Hollow, New
York, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Born in Plymouth, England, on December 26, 1930, Donald
Moffat was the only child of Kathleen Mary (Smith) and Walter George
Moffat; his parents ran a boarding house in Totnes, England; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies at the local King Edward
VI School, Donald Moffat performed national service with the Royal
Artillery from 1949 to 1951; he went on to study at the Royal Academy of
Dramatic Art in London until 1954; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary stage, screen and television actor was a
naturalized, thoroughly Americanized Englishman who in the early 1950s
was a player with the Old Vic theater company, the London crucible of
many of Britain's most ambitious performing arts; and
WHEREAS, In 1956, at the age of 26, Donald Moffat realized his dream
and moved to the United States, settling in Oregon, where he worked as a
bartender and a lumberjack; he soon resolved to return to acting, and
made his Broadway debut as two characters in "Under Milkwood" (1957);
and
WHEREAS, Donald Moffat, in a career that lasted nearly a
half-century, amassed virtually all of his remarkable 220 credits in the
United States; his roles included 80 stage plays (he directed 10 more),
approximately 70 Hollywood and television movies, and at least 60
television productions, including series, mini-series and anthologies;
and
WHEREAS, A truly consummate professional, Donald Moffat could play
any supporting role from Shakespeare, O'Neill, Ibsen, Beckett, Pinter or
Shaw, as well as lawyers, doctors, husbands, and tough guys- characters
who make the stars shine and place the accomplishments of the ensemble
above personal glory; and
WHEREAS, Donald Moffat's motion picture credits include "Rachel,
Rachel" (1968), "The Trial of the Catonsville Nine" (1972), "The Great
Northfield Minnesota Raid" (1972), "Showdown" (1973), "Earthquake"(1974)
and "Winter Kills" (1979); and
WHEREAS, Furthermore his most memorable film role was as the corrupt
president in "Clear and Present Danger" (1994), a Harrison Ford movie
based on the Tom Clancy novel; and
WHEREAS, During the 1990s, Donald Moffat slowed his working pace,
and tapered off into retirement a few years later; one of his last
appearances, which gained high accolades, was of aging, penniless former
President Ulysses S. Grant in an Off Broadway production of John Guare's
"A Few Stout Individuals" (2002); and
WHEREAS, Donald Moffat is survived by his wife, Gwen Arner; his
daughters, Lynn, Catherine, Kathleen (known as Wendy), and Gabriel; 10
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
the lives of those extraordinary actors of world renown who enriched the
lives of others through their artistic endeavors; such an actor was
Donald Moffat, whose extraordinary and innovative career will forever
live in the hearts of many and continue to inspire generations to come;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Donald Moffat, legendary actor, distinguished citizen
and gifted artist; and to offer sincerest condolences to his fans,
friends, and family members; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Donald Moffat.
