Roddy Maude-Roxby

Roderick A. Maude-Roxby, born on April 2, 1930, is a distinguished English actor known for his diverse contributions to film and performance art. Among his notable cinematic roles, Maude-Roxby lent his voice to the character Edgar Balthazar, the scheming butler in Disney's animated classic *The Aristocats*. He also appeared in *Unconditional Love* and portrayed Thompson in Clint Eastwood's *White Hunter Black Heart*.

A pioneer in the realm of performance art, Maude-Roxby emerged from the Royal College of Art (RCA) during a vibrant period alongside iconic artists like David Hockney and Peter Blake. At RCA, he made his mark as editor of *ARK* magazine in 1958 and served as president of the college's Theatre Group. In 1960, he showcased his talent in a joint exhibition with Blake at the Portal Gallery. Maude-Roxby was also involved in groundbreaking television comedy, collaborating with Michael Palin and Terry Jones on the series *The Complete and Utter History of Britain*, which predated the famous *Monty Python*.

His television credits include appearances on popular shows such as *The Goodies*, *Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In*, *Not Only... But Also*, and *The Establishment*. His comedic prowess was recognized in 1968 when he received the Theatre of the Year Award for Best Comic in New York, highlighting his impact in the world of stand-up comedy.