Malcolm McDowell biography, children, age, height, awards, wife 2025

Biography of Malcolm McDowell

Malcolm McDowell is a famous British actor who has earned acclaim in both film and television. He began acting in the late 1960s and has long been rightfully called a cinema legend.

McDowell's name is often associated with scandals, but not because of gossip in the tabloids. Instead, it's due to his boldness in taking on complex and sometimes provocative roles. One of his signature roles is that of a psychopath with sadistic tendencies, which he portrays on screen in a nuanced manner.

Early Years

Malcolm McDowell (born Malcolm John Taylor) was born in Horsforth, Yorkshire, on June 13, 1943. He later took his mother's maiden name. He was the middle child of Edna and Charles, who also raised two daughters, Gloria and Judy.

From a young age, the future actor got used to hard work, helping his bartender father in the pub. Later, he tried his hand as a traveling salesman. Eventually, he decided that acting was his true calling, so McDowell took acting courses and then enrolled in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. This prestigious institution has also graduated Donald Sutherland, David Oyelowo, Rose Leslie, and other celebrities.

The Rise of an Acting Career: Rebel and Bad Boy

In 1964, Malcolm joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. Around that time, he started receiving TV job offers.

After roles in several TV series, director Lindsay Anderson noticed the young actor and invited him to his social drama "If...." The film premiered in 1968, a significant year for counterculture. The movie, about school discipline and rebellion in a British boarding school, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was later recognized as one of the most important English films of the 20th century.

McDowell's brilliant portrayal of the free-spirited Mick Travis caught the attention of Stanley Kubrick, leading to his role in "A Clockwork Orange" (1971), based on Anthony Burgess's uncompromising novel. Malcolm's character, Alex, enjoys Beethoven's music and "ultraviolence," which includes tormenting the homeless, fighting for fun, robbery, and even rape. His "carefree" life in futuristic England takes a turn when he accidentally kills one of his victims.

Malcolm McDowell in 'A Clockwork Orange'

McDowell played the troubled delinquent so convincingly that it chilled audiences. His Golden Globe nomination confirmed Kubrick's casting choice, as he initially considered the members of The Rolling Stones for the roles of Alex and his friends. The film's shoot, which quickly became iconic due to its ideas and style, had many interesting moments. For instance, Kubrick and Malcolm frequently played table tennis, and the time spent was deducted from the young actor's pay.

The only downside of this project was that after "A Clockwork Orange," McDowell became typecast. However, it's worth noting that his roles as "bad boys," outright villains, and various sadists showcased his undeniable talent.

A Clockwork Orange: Anthony Burgess & Malcom McDowell interview (1971)

His next major work continued his collaboration with Lindsay Anderson, who decided to create a follow-up to the successful "If...." Malcolm starred in the multi-genre film "O Lucky Man!" (1973), playing a grown-up Mick Travis who faces new challenges. In 1982, he reprised this role in Anderson's "Britannia Hospital," completing the story of Mick Travis.

Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren in 'O Lucky Man!'

Further Career

Another iconic film for McDowell was and remains Tinto Brass's controversial movie "Caligula" (1979), where the actor portrayed the cruel and insane Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. He shared the set with Peter O'Toole, who played Tiberius, and Helen Mirren as Caesonia, the tyrant's fourth wife.

Malcolm McDowell in 'Caligula' (Trailer)

Brass, already famous for his inclination towards erotica bordering on pornography (which in his interpretation is very subtle), did not change his style this time: the film abounded in explicit scenes, causing numerous scandals. McDowell, however, was thrilled with the final result, although he later claimed that this historical drama damaged his career.

Caligula (1979) trailer

Among other successful projects where the actor's name topped the list, one can highlight the Soviet-British historical film "The Assassin of the Tsar" (1991) and Paul McGuigan's crime drama "Gangster No. 1" (2000), as well as the series "Fantasy Island" (1998) and "Franklin & Bash" (2011). Otherwise, he remains a proponent of experimentation, often agreeing to play another unique and charismatic character, even in secondary roles in less significant films.

Malcolm McDowell in 'The Assassin of the Tsar'

In 2012, Malcolm McDowell finally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2014 he was awarded the special Saturn Award for career achievements.

In 2012, Malcolm McDowell's star shone on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Other Activities and Hobbies

The actor is a big fan of the Liverpool Football Club. As a child, he spent a lot of time at the stadium, both during matches and some team training sessions, where he managed to sneak in. McDowell still attends games and sometimes runs into Clive Owen, John Lithgow, and Daniel Craig, who also support the team.

Malcolm McDowell is a long-time fan of English club Liverpool

McDowell eagerly collaborates with video game developers. His voice can be heard in characters from Fallout 3, The Elder Scrolls Online, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and other popular series.

The voice of Malcolm McDowell is featured in many video game characters

Narrating documentaries, participating in radio programs, and other "voice work" are now some of McDowell's main activities.

Malcolm McDowell's Personal Life

Malcolm first married actress Margot Bennett in 1975, who later became a publicist. They divorced five years later.

Malcolm McDowell and his first wife, Margot Bennett

His second wife was actress Mary Steenburgen. Their marriage lasted from 1980 to 1990. They had two children: Lilly and Charles. Their daughter followed in her parents' footsteps, while their son works in film as a director and screenwriter.

Malcolm's third marriage was in 1991. Kelley Kur is almost 25 years younger than him. She gave birth to three sons in the early 2000s: Beckett Taylor, Finnian Anderson, and Seamus Hudson.

Malcolm McDowell with his wife Kelley Kur

Actor Alexander Siddig is Malcolm's nephew. In 2012, Malcolm became a grandfather for the first time.

Malcolm McDowell Now

Malcolm McDowell continues to act in movies, though not in leading roles. However, his appearances never go unnoticed. In 2022, he starred in the drama "Father Stu" with Mark Wahlberg, and in 2024, he appeared in the comedy "Thelma".