Happy 76th Birthday, Michael York!

[Siwsan]

I've always thought of him as such a brilliant actor in what ever role he played, but I have to say that, IMHO, his portrayal of D'Artagnan in Richard Lester's 'The Three Musketeers' broke the mold.

[Zoonart]

1. Could not agree more.

I loved those Lester. Musketeermovies. They were really great fun. Great cast and terrific performances.
Thanks for posting.

[Glorfindel]

2. I agree, Siwsan. Michael York is an underappreciated genius and one of my favorite actors.

Thanks for reminding us that it's his birthday!

[shenmue]

3. Excellent actor

[tymorial]

4. I always liked his voice

It has a certain difference to it that makes it unique.

[nocoincidences]

5. I have loved him in every movie he has made.

His voice is perfect, and I have to admit, I love quirky noses, and his has just enough quirk to charm me completely.

[Siwsan]

9. He most definitely has a very interesting nose.

And his father, Joseph Gwynne Johnson, was Welsh-born which makes Michael all that much more special, to me. (Michael's birth name is Michael Hugh Johnson.)

He was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a few years back, and the disease has significantly changed his appearance. I read that he underwent stem-cell therapy has also helped with the symptoms. And, best of all, he is still working.

[sl8]

6. How lucky for all of us that he made it past 30.

[nocoincidences]

7. He has been very ill in recent years

with Amyloidosis, and the latest pics of him show the ravages of the treatment for that disease.

May he continue to win that battle!!

http://www.michaelyork.net/Amyloidosis/index.html

[Siwsan]

11. I saw the photos. It is a ravaging condition, that's for sure

But he is still working!

[Aristus]

8. He was excellent as D'Artagnan. The whole cast was incredible.

Even M. Treville, who only had three brief scenes.

T.: Your father says that you carry his old sword.

D.: (Patting the hilt of his sword) Yes.

T.: (Making a give-it-to-me gesture) A-hem.

D'Artagnan draws his sword, revealing the stub of broken blade from his misadventure with Rochefort.

T.: Oh...... (motions to the swords hanging from the walls of his office) Do me the honor of taking one on loan until yours.......grows......longer.

D.: Sir, I ask charity of no one.

T.: Then you aren't likely to get it, are you, young man?

D'Artagnan says nothing, a little chastened. Treville softens.

T.: Not charity. Love and courtesy for the son of an old friend. To keep his enemies an inch or two further off.

[Siwsan]

10. I love Richard Lester films

There is always so much going on in the background, during scenes, it sometimes takes me two or three viewings to take it all in. Well, that and I laugh so hard, I miss things.

[Aristus]

12. One of the best examples of that is the Musketeers' fake fight in the tavern

which disguises their theft of food and drink.

Most of the patrons notice what they're up to, but don't say anything. They just make "just don't get it in my food" gestures.

[Siwsan]

13. Lester was a brilliant director

Quirky and brilliant.