This tall, blond, blue-eyed, and undeniably charismatic leading man of the British stage, television, and film scene—McGoohan—had all the makings of a global movie icon. McGoohan truly stood out, and with the right choices, he could have easily become one of the Western world’s most celebrated film stars. Yet, when you look deeper, McGoohan seemed temperamentally and personally unsuited for that kind of Hollywood spotlight. Back in the late 1950s and early 60s, as McGoohan was making waves on the West End stage in London, he was actually offered the career-defining role of James Bond—Agent 007, Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Now, imagine that—McGoohan as 007! But surprisingly, he turned it down. And not because he didn’t see the opportunity, but because of his strong personal convictions. McGoohan believed the character promoted a violent and morally questionable lifestyle, one he felt would be a poor example for his daughters. So, with principle over popularity, he said no. The producers then shifted focus to another talented actor—a handsome young Scot named Sean Connery—who of course went on to define the role. Meanwhile, McGoohan carved his own unique path, eventually gaining international acclaim by portraying a very different kind of secret agent on British television. And honestly, looking back, McGoohan’s legacy feels all the more authentic because of that choice.
When it comes to Patrick McGoohan’s film career, fans and critics alike often point to Escape From Alcatraz (1979) as his standout performance—widely regarded as Patrick McGoohan’s highest rated movie. The intense thriller showcases Patrick McGoohan in a role that truly highlights his commanding screen presence and acting depth. On the other end of the spectrum, Patrick McGoohan appeared in Baby … Secret of the Lost Legend (1985), which, while ambitious in concept, didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers, making it Patrick McGoohan’s lowest rated film to date. Still, even in less celebrated roles, Patrick McGoohan brought a level of gravitas that few could match.