People have called character actor Timothy Carey everything from a lunatic creep to a visionary genius. The fact is, Carey was one of the most brilliant yet under-appreciated actors in film history, and possibly THE great character actor of the Twentieth Century.Born March 11, 1929, Timothy Carey was known for his roles as heavies, gangsters, and psychos, he often took very small roles and fleshed them out to the point of out-shining the main characters. His imposing 6'5" frame, hooded eyes, and odd voice have made more than one viewer wonder, "What the hell's wrong with that guy"? Carey worked with legend Stanley Kubrick on 'THE KILLING' (1956) and 'PATHS OF GLORY' (1957), both of them stellar performances. He was actually one of the very few actors Kubrick would ever trust to improvise a scene. Many times in any film featuring him, you may find yourself wondering what kind of film his character is living in, outside of the camera's reach.The stories of the films he didn't get are numerous. From 'THE GODFATHER' to 'RESERVOIR DOGS', either he rubbed people the wrong way, or he simply wasn't interested. He so pushed the buttons of many of the stars he worked with that actor Richard Widmark beat him to a bloody-pulp on the set of ‘THE LAST WAGON’ (1956) , Karl Malden intentionally kicked him repeatedly in the ribs and Marlon Brando actually stabbed him with a pen during the making of ‘ONE-EYED JACKS’ (1961).An early proponent of "The Method", most of Carey’s acting performances remain fascinating. He always gave the appearance that he was totally unconcerned with what people thought of him. Towards the end of his life Carey wrote, produced, and directed a play called ‘The Insect Trainer’, who’s main character expounded upon the virtues and importance of farting without shame.Stories of his outrageous behavior are legion. He once invited actor, and independent film director John Cassavetes to his home. He dressed Cassavetes in a dog attack suit, and set three of his guard dogs loose to attack Cassavetes... all the while yelling words of encouragement to Cassavetes from the next room... "It's not you they hate, it's that suit!"Chances are, if you are here you’re already a fan, but if not, you might want to start with Kubrick's 'PATHS OF GLORY' (1957), and 'THE KILLING' (1956). In 'PATHS OF GLORY', he plays the weepy "Private Ferol" slated for execution. Kubrick encouraged Carey's obtrusive improvisations despite the protests of star Kirk Douglas. In 'THE KILLING', he's "Nikki Arcane" the crook who's job it is to shoot the racehorse.Carey's directorial debut film 'THE WORLD'S GREATEST SINNER' (1962), written, produced, directed by, and starring himself, was so far ahead of it's time it probably couldn't be made today. Like Carey, the film is flawed yet incredibly brilliant. It deserves a major preservation and DVD release. John Cassavetes once said that 'THE WORLD'S GREATEST SINNER' (1962)... "Had the brilliance of Einsenstein." If anyone has info on this or any of Carey's work, please feel free to comment or message me. A true iconoclast and surrealist, in both his art and life, Timothy Carey remains a truly fascinating artist.
