Kevin McCarthy (actor) Kevin McCarthy (actor) Kevin McCarthy (February 15, 1914 – September 11, 2010) was an American actor who gave over 200 television and film performances. He is best remembered for portraying the male lead in the horror science fiction film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956). Following several television guest roles, McCarthy gave his first credited film performance in "Death of a Salesman" (1951), portraying Biff Loman to Fredric March's Willy Loman. The role earned him a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. McCarthy was born in Seattle, Washington, the son of Roy
Willy Loman Loman is the play's dominant character because "It is his losing battle against spiritual and economic defeat that provides the narrative spine of the play." Loman is a symbolic representation of millions of white collar employees who outlived their corporate usefulness. He lives in a world with delusions about how popular, famous, influential and successful he is and about the prospects for the success of his sons. His wife not only allows these delusions, but also she buys into them, somewhat. His misplaced values of importance and popularity were shaken to the core by his declining ability to leverage those