Ron Moody

Ron Moody, born as Ronald Moodnick on 8 January 1924, was an acclaimed English actor, composer, singer, and writer. He is renowned for his portrayal of Fagin in Oliver! (1968) and its 1983 Broadway revival. Alongside these, Moody had been commended and awarded for his role in The Mouse on the Moon (1963), Mel Brooks' The Twelve Chairs (1970), and Flight of the Doves (1971), in which Moody shared the screen with Oliver! co-star Jack Wild. Born in Tottenham, Middlesex, Moody was proud of his 100% Jewish—totally kosher heritage, which styled both his personal and professional personas. He received a notable education from Southgate County School and the London School of Economics where he was originally trained to be an economist. Nevertheless, his passion for the arts was undeterred, and despite his economic training, he began appearing in theatrical shows and later decided to become a professional actor. Moody had a versatile career, he mesmerized the audience in children's television series, comic Victorian melodramas and BBC's TV series.'Last of the Summer Wine'. He was also known for his writing skills, having published a novel, The Devil You Don't, which was published by Robson Books, London, in 1980. His life was a constant stage where he reenacted his acclaimed role as Fagin in the 1983 Channel 4 television programme The Other Side of London.