Unmasking the Stars of the 1968 Sci-Fi Classic Planet of the Apes
Discover the human faces behind the revolutionary Oscar-winning prosthetics in the original 1968 adaptation of Planet of the Apes.
Published 3 November 2026
Introduction to the Sci-Fi Classic
More than half a century after its initial release, the 1968 adaptation of Planet of the Apes remains a monumental achievement in cinematic science fiction. The film famously challenged viewers to invert their perspectives, placing humanity on the opposite side of the cage as test subjects rather than scientists.
While human characters like George Taylor and Nova kept their natural appearances, a talented ensemble of performers underwent complete transformations. They wore heavy layers of groundbreaking practical effects that rendered them completely unrecognisable as advanced apes.
Kim Hunter as Dr. Zira
Kim Hunter brought the compassionate chimpanzee psychologist and veterinarian Dr. Zira to life in the 1968 feature and two subsequent sequels. Her character famously worked to improve the relationship between the human subjects and the ape society.
Before her stellar work in ape prosthetics, Kim earned major acting acclaim for originating the leading role of Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire on Broadway. That celebrated performance ultimately won her both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Roddy McDowall as Cornelius
Roddy McDowall took on the role of chimpanzee scientist Cornelius, who also happened to be the fiancé of Dr. Zira in the 1968 movie. His expressive performance added considerable emotional depth to the science fiction narrative.
Outside of his memorable work in heavy ape makeup, Roddy built a prolific acting resume with standout performances in How Green Was My Valley, Fright Night, and Lassie Come Home. The accomplished actor passed away on October 3, 1998.
Lou Wagner as Lucius
Lou Wagner portrayed Lucius, the rebellious young chimpanzee nephew of Dr. Zira. Within the plot of the film, Lucius assists in the secret operation to help the human subject George Taylor escape to safety.
When not busy playing a troublemaking ape, Lou went on to star in various television and film projects such as CHiPs, Hello Down There, and Galgameth. He made a more recent acting appearance in the 2023 television series Mansion of Mystery.
Maurice Evans as Dr. Zaius
Maurice Evans assumed the authoritative role of Dr. Zaius, the Minister of Science and Chief Defender of the Faith in the 1968 motion picture. His commanding presence anchored much of the film's philosophical conflict.
Aside from his memorable turn as an ape leader, Maurice was well known for playing the eccentric warlock Maurice on the hit show Bewitched. He also made notable appearances in feature films like Rosemary's Baby and The War Lord.
News Overview
The 1968 film Planet of the Apes famously utilized groundbreaking Oscar-winning prosthetics to transform its talented cast into advanced primates. Actors including Kim Hunter, Roddy McDowall, Lou Wagner, and Maurice Evans delivered memorable performances beneath heavy practical effects that hid their everyday human appearances.
Key facts
- Planet of the Apes was released in 1968.
- Kim Hunter played Dr. Zira in the film and two sequels.
- Kim Hunter won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for A Streetcar Named Desire.
- Roddy McDowall played Cornelius.
- Roddy McDowall died on October 3, 1998.
- Lou Wagner played Lucius.
- Lou Wagner appeared in Mansion of Mystery in 2023.
- Maurice Evans played Dr. Zaius.