Portrayed by: Richard Bradford
TV series: Man in a Suitcase (1967-68)
Occupation: Freelance troubleshooter; former U.S. intelligence agent framed as a traitor to protect a mole.
Lifestyle: Travels throughout Europe and Africa; lives out of a suitcase!
Family and Friends: A few former girlfriends, but pretty much a loner.
Trademarks: Premature gray hair; smokes too much; gets beaten up a lot.
Classic quote: (When a woman asks if he's an American) "No, ma'am. I'm a Texan."
Classic episodes: "Man from the Dead" (provides backstory on why he was framed); "Find the Lady" (a valuable painting stolen during World War II suddenly reappears).
McGill is actually my third favorite T.V. P.I., after Harry O and The Outsider David Ross.
ReplyDeleteRJR
McGill is an awesome character, surly yet with his own nobility. I just recently discovered this series and was knocked out by it. Richard Bradford should have become a big star.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an excellent choice for 15 great TV characters of the 1960s. McGill is probably also the least known of your choices, Rick, but I really liked him. I thoroughly enjoyed "Man in a Suitcase" and Richard Bradford made the show unforgettable. He had a quirky thing he would do with his cigarette. Mac would stand it on end on a table, like it was a candle, without asking for or utilizing an ashtray. I wish the show had gone on longer than a year. McGill truly left me wanting more.
ReplyDeleteBradford went on to star in the pilot for Medical Center, but was replaced by Chad Everett when the series was picked up. He had a long career in films (appeared as Mary Beth's father on Cagney & Lacy) and t.v. Yeah, he should have eben a star. Kicked the crap out of Marlon Brando in a fim called The Chase.
ReplyDeleteRJR
YESSSSS! Excellent choice. I am quite a fan of McGill ("with a big M and a big G"), but no one else ever seems to know/remember the show!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to hear from a McGill fan! I vaguely remembered liking the show, got the first DVD set, and fell in love with it. Too bad there was only one season.
ReplyDeletewhy did Chad Everett replace Richard Bradford?
ReplyDeleteRichard was by far a much better actor than he was given credit for. Absolutely loved this series.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree.
Delete