‘Body Snatchers’ actor dies at 96

HYANNIS, Mass. – Actor Kevin McCarthy, who played the frantic doctor trying to save his friends and neighbors in the science-fiction movie classic “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” has died at age 96.

McCarthy died Saturday, said Cape Cod Hospital spokesman Dave Riley, who wouldn’t reveal the cause of death or any other details.

McCarthy’s acting career took off in 1938 with his Broadway debut in “Abe Lincoln in Illinois.”

His most lasting fame would come for “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” In the 1956 film, he vainly tried to warn residents in his small town of the evil pod people from outer space who were taking over the personalities of everyone on Earth.

His frantic shouting of “You’re next!” to those in approaching cars became so well known he was often asked to spoof the role.