Matthew Garber

Matthew Garber

Born: March 25, 1956
Died: June 13, 1977
in Stepney, London, England, UK
Matthew Adam Garber was a British child actor born March 25, 1956 in Stepney, London, England, UK. Both of his parents were theatrical actors, but neither was particularly famous.

In 1963, Garbet came to the attention of actor Roy Dotrice (father of Karen Dotrice) who was seeking potential child actors. Roy recommended Garber to the casting department of the Disney company, where young Garber's "artful dodges, like squinting, screwing up his nose, and brushing his hair back with one hand" were thought likely to make him stand out. He was cast in the film "The Three Lives of Thomasina" (1963), as the character Geordie McNab, a playmate to the Scottish girl Mary MacDhui (played by Karen Dotrice).

Garber next received a bigger role as the character Michael Banks in "Mary Poppins" (1964), one of the two charges of the protagonist nanny. Jane Banks, Michael's sister, was played by Karen Dotrice. The film was the greatest hit of Garber's career, and is the role for which he is most remembered.

In 1967, Garber had his third and last film role, as the character Rodney Winthrop in "The Gnome-Mobile". In the film, Rodney and his sister Elizabeth Winthrop (played by Karen Dotrice) are trying to prolong the life of a 943-year-old gnome, who has lost the will to survive.

Following his brief film career, Garber returned to his school studies. He attended first St Paul's Primary School in Winchmore Hill, and then Highgate School in Highgate, North London. He graduated in 1972.

In 1976-1977, Garber was in India and contacted hepatitis. He returned to London in June, 1977, seeking better medical treatment. It was too late as the disease had infected his pancreas. He died soon after, June 13, 1977 in Hampstead, London, England, UK, the official cause being hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis. He was only 21-years-old. He was single, and had no known children.

Garber's remains were cremated at St. Marylebone Crematorium, in East Finchley, London. Both of his parents died within a decade following his death. Fergus Garber, a surviving younger brother of Matthew, was never informed whether there was any memorial erected for his brother. Garber was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 2004.

Movies for Matthew Garber...

Disney's Greatest Lullabies Volume 2
Title: Disney's Greatest Lullabies Volume 2
Character: (archive footage)
Released: January 28, 1986
Type: Movie
What better way to say goodnight than with Disney's Greatest Lullabies? Soothing refrains from masterfully crafted shorts and features you come to know and love. The most poignant, precious moments from the vast Disney library presented in this enchanted series. Certain to turn any child into a Sleeping Beauty--the best lullabies in the world--from Disney!
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The Gnome-Mobile
Title: The Gnome-Mobile
Character: Rodney
Released: July 19, 1967
Type: Movie
An eccentric millionaire and his grandchildren are embroiled in the plights of some forest gnomes who are searching for the rest of their tribe. While helping them, the millionaire is suspected of being crazy because he's seeing gnomes! He's committed, and the niece and nephew and the gnomes have to find him and free him.
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Mary Poppins
Title: Mary Poppins
Character: Michael Banks
Released: December 17, 1964
Type: Movie
Mr Banks is looking for a nanny for his two mischievous children and comes across Mary Poppins, an angelic nanny. She not only brings a change in their lives but also spreads happiness.
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The Three Lives of Thomasina
Title: The Three Lives of Thomasina
Character: Geordie McNab
Released: December 11, 1963
Type: Movie
Thomasina is the pet cat of Mary McDhui, the daughter of Scottish veterinarian Andrew McDhui. When Thomasina falls ill, McDhui declares that the pet should be put down. But when Mary and her father try to bury the cat, Lori MacGregor (Susan Hampshire), who is said to be a witch, shows up and attempts to steal it.