Matthew Garber was a talented British child actor who captured the hearts of audiences with his remarkable performances. Born to theatrical parents, Garber's earliest exposure to the world of acting was through his family. However, neither of his parents was a well-known figure in the industry, leaving Garber to carve his own path.
In 1963, Garber's life took a dramatic turn when actor Roy Dotrice, father of Karen Dotrice, discovered him and recommended him to the Disney company. Garber's unique abilities, such as his artful dodges, squinting, and brushing his hair back with one hand, made him stand out, and he was soon cast in the film "The Three Lives of Thomasina" (1963) as Geordie McNab.
This was followed by a bigger role as Michael Banks in the iconic film "Mary Poppins" (1964),where he played one of the two charges of the beloved nanny. The film was a massive hit, and Garber's performance as Michael Banks remains one of his most memorable roles.
In 1967, Garber appeared in his third and final film, "The Gnome-Mobile", where he played the character Rodney Winthrop alongside Karen Dotrice. The film tells the story of Rodney and his sister Elizabeth trying to prolong the life of a 943-year-old gnome.
After his brief but illustrious film career, Garber returned to his school studies, attending St Paul's Primary School in Winchmore Hill and later Highgate School in Highgate, North London. He graduated in 1972.
Tragedy struck in 1976-1977 when Garber contracted hepatitis while in India. He returned to London in June 1977, seeking better medical treatment, but it was too late. The disease had infected his pancreas, and he passed away soon after, at the tender age of 21. He was single and had no known children.
Garber's ashes were cremated at St. Marylebone Crematorium in East Finchley, London. His parents, who had always been supportive of his acting career, sadly passed away within a decade of his death. His surviving younger brother, Fergus Garber, was never informed whether a memorial was erected in his honor. In 2004, Garber was posthumously named a Disney Legend, a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.
