Michael St. Clair, 79; Character Actor in Films, TV

Michael St. Clair, a character actor whose rubbery features and distinctive Australian accent won him numerous supporting roles in films and television series in the 1960s and 1970s, has died. He was 79.

St. Clair, an orphan who was raised by aborigines before moving to England and later to America, died late Thursday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering an apparent brain aneurysm, relatives said.

The actor was stricken Wednesday afternoon while driving from his North Hollywood home to Hollywood for an audition, said Jamie Young, a daughter-in-law.

Family members reported him missing when he did not return home late Thursday, Young said. Authorities were unable to contact relatives because St. Clair was carrying a driver’s license with an outdated address.

“He lived to entertain. He never retired,” Young said. “He always found a way to entertain people whether they were paid jobs or performing for free at a senior center.”

St. Clair appeared in the motion pictures “My Fair Lady,” “Von Ryan’s Express” and “The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze.” He also appeared on television in episodes of “The Rockford Files,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Get Smart.”

St. Clair is survived by his wife, Patricia; a son, Shane St. Clair of San Gabriel; a daughter, Sharon St. Clair of Las Vegas; and three stepsons, Bob Young of Pismo Beach, Steve Young of Alameda and Brian Young of Los Angeles. A private memorial service is planned.