Have you heard of Oliver Twist? Yes, we are talking about the English novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The 1968 drama movie, “Oliver” is all about the fictional character of Oliver Twist. In the books and in the film, the story remains the same. It is the story of young Oliver, who was raised in an orphanage and forced to work overtime. When young Oliver flees to London, he finds himself among a group of pickpockets who work for the criminal boss Fagin.
Thriller, Drama, and Comedy are some of the main genres of this film. Oliver Twist is a musical drama that sets it apart from other periodic dramas. Like most musicals, this film also has a lot of songs and theatrical performances. “Oliver” is an iconic movie of the 60s, which is a must-watch for everyone. The film also talks about social injustice, crimes, and bad parenting.
The film was a box office success and received tons of appreciation from the audience. One of the reasons behind the film’s success is because of the actors who portrayed the characters commendably. Who were the actors of “Oliver” and where are they now? Let’s meet the cast members of ‘Oliver” and see what they are doing now.
1. Mark Lester as Oliver Twist
Mark Lester portrays the character of young Oliver Twist in “Oliver.” After his appearance in “Oliver,” the young actor was also seen in various other films like- “Run Wild Run Free,” “Eyewitness,” “Melody,” and many more. Mark left his acting career with his final film, “The Prince and the Pauper,” in 1977.
The last time we heard from the actor was in 2019 when he made a cameo appearance in the Michael Jackson Documentary, “Chase The Truth.” As of 2023, Lester has left the acting industry to become an Osteopath and runs the Carlton Clinic, where he helps people with physical pain or disabilities.
2. Shani Wallis as Nancy
Next on our list is Shani Wallis, who portrayed the character of Nancy in “Oliver.” Some of her later works include-” Gunsmoke,” ”Charlie’s Angels,” “Arnold,” “Terror in the Wax Museum,” and “Mojave Phone Booth.” After portraying multiple characters on screen, the 90-year-old actress is living her life away from fame with her family. We have not heard from the actress in a long time, but we hope she is healthy and happy.
3. Jack Wild as Arthur Dodger
Our next cast member is Jack Wild, who portrayed the character of Arthur Dodger in the film “Oliver.” The actor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Oliver. Some of his later works include “ Pufnstuf,” “Melody,” “Flight of the Doves,” “The Onedin Line,” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” His final film, “Moussaka & Chips,” was released in 2005. The actor passed away in 2006 after suffering from Oral cancer.
4. Ron Moody as Fagin
Ron Moody portrayed the character of Fagin in “Oliver,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award as well. Some of his later works include, “David Copperfield,” “Dominique,” “Nobody’s Perfect,” “Paradise Grove,” “Moussaka & Chips,” and many more. Apart from acting, Moody was also interested in singing, composing, and writing. The actor passed away in 2015 due to old age.
5. Oliver Reed as Bill Sakes
Next on our list, we have Robert Oliver Reed, who portrayed the character of Bill Sikes in “Oliver.” After his appearance in the film, Reed has continued to work on many films likes, “The Hunting Party,” “Women In Love,” “Hannibal,” “Three Musketeers,” “Cast Away,” and many more. In 1999, The actor died of a cardiac attack on the set of his final movie, ”Gladiators.”
6. Hugh Griffith as Magistrate
The next cast member on our list is Hugh Griffith, who portrayed the character of the Magistrate in the 1968 period drama film “Oliver.” Some of his later works include- “Cry of the Banshee,” “The Canterbury Tales,” “ Luther,” “ The Hound of Baskervilles,” and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.” The actor was often unwell and passed away in 1980 after suffering from an illness for a year.
7. Harry Secombe: Mr.Bumble
The last cast member on our list is Harold Secombe, who portrayed the character of Mr.Bumble in the film “Oliver.” Some of his later works include “The Bed Sitting Room,” “Pickwick,” “ Doctor in Trouble,” and “Sunstruck.” The actor was also part of the popular radio show- “The Goon Show.” Unfortunately, Secombe could not continue acting due to old age and multiple health conditions, and he passed away in April 2011 after suffering from cancer.
Also Read: Where is Oliver Twist Filmed? All the Locations Revealed
