Fred McCaffrey
Actor
About Fred McCaffrey
Fred McCaffrey was an American actor whose known filmography consists of a single role in the 1976 science fiction horror film 'Track of the Moon Beast.' In this low-budget production, he portrayed the character Johnny Longbow, a Native American anthropologist who investigates mysterious occurrences in New Mexico. The film, directed by Richard Ashe, was part of the drive-in theater circuit and has since become a cult classic among B-movie enthusiasts. McCaffrey's performance as the knowledgeable and concerned friend to the film's protagonist provided a grounding presence amidst the supernatural elements. Unfortunately, beyond this single credited role, very little information exists about McCaffrey's life, career, or whether he pursued other acting opportunities that went undocumented. His brief appearance in cinema history represents the many character actors who contributed to genre films of the 1970s despite remaining largely unknown to mainstream audiences.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared as Johnny Longbow in 'Track of the Moon Beast' (1976)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Fred McCaffrey's contribution to cinema, while minimal, represents the countless character actors who populated genre films of the 1970s. His role in 'Track of the Moon Beast' has gained a small but dedicated following among B-movie enthusiasts and cult film aficionados. The film itself has become a subject of discussion in bad movie circles, with McCaffrey's performance occasionally noted as one of the more competent elements in an otherwise criticized production. His portrayal of Johnny Longbow, while not groundbreaking, represents the era's attempt to include diverse characters in genre storytelling, even if the execution was limited by the film's budget and production constraints.
Lasting Legacy
Fred McCaffrey's legacy is that of a mysterious figure in cult cinema history - an actor who appeared in one film and then seemingly vanished from the public eye. This enigmatic status has only added to the curiosity surrounding him among film enthusiasts who study obscure genre cinema. His single performance serves as a time capsule of 1970s B-movie production values and the types of character actors who populated these films. While he never achieved mainstream recognition, his contribution to cult film history ensures that his name, at least in connection with 'Track of the Moon Beast,' continues to be discussed among those who appreciate the more unusual corners of cinema history.
Who They Inspired
Given his limited filmography, Fred McCaffrey's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers appears to be minimal. However, his work in genre cinema represents the type of character acting that was essential to the B-movie ecosystem of the 1970s. His performance as Johnny Longbow, while not widely studied, demonstrates the professional approach that even minor character actors brought to their roles, helping to ground fantastical stories in some level of reality.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Fred McCaffrey's personal life, as he appears to have been a private individual who had only one documented film appearance. No information is available about his family background, relationships, or life outside of his brief acting career.
Did You Know?
- Fred McCaffrey's only known film role was in 'Track of the Moon Beast' (1976)
- His character Johnny Longbow was a Native American anthropologist
- The film was shot on location in New Mexico
- 'Track of the Moon Beast' has become a cult classic among bad movie enthusiasts
- Very little biographical information about McCaffrey exists in public records
- His performance is often cited as one of the better aspects of the film
- The film was featured on the television series 'Mystery Science Theater 3000'
- McCaffrey appears to have disappeared from the entertainment industry after this single role
- The character's name 'Longbow' may have been chosen to emphasize his Native American heritage
- Despite the film's low budget, McCaffrey's performance showed professional commitment
In Their Own Words
There are things in this world that science can't explain, Johnny Longbow (Track of the Moon Beast)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Fred McCaffrey?
Fred McCaffrey was an American actor best known for his single film role as Johnny Longbow in the 1976 science fiction horror film 'Track of the Moon Beast.' Beyond this appearance, very little is known about his life or career.
What films is Fred McCaffrey best known for?
Fred McCaffrey is known exclusively for his role in 'Track of the Moon Beast' (1976), where he played the character Johnny Longbow, a Native American anthropologist investigating supernatural phenomena.
When was Fred McCaffrey born and when did he die?
Fred McCaffrey's birth and death dates are not publicly known, as biographical information about this obscure actor is extremely limited beyond his single film appearance.
What awards did Fred McCaffrey win?
Fred McCaffrey did not receive any known awards or nominations for his acting work, which appears to have been limited to his single role in 'Track of the Moon Beast.'
What was Fred McCaffrey's acting style?
Based on his performance in 'Track of the Moon Beast,' McCaffrey demonstrated a straightforward, professional acting approach that brought credibility to his character of an anthropologist, though his limited filmography makes it difficult to assess his broader artistic range.
Why is Fred McCaffrey considered mysterious in film history?
Fred McCaffrey is considered mysterious because he appeared in only one film and then seemingly vanished from the entertainment industry, with virtually no biographical information available about his life before or after this role.
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Films
1 film
