What the original 1968 Planet of the Apes cast looked like without their groundbreaking Oscar-winning prosthetics

More than 50 years on, practical effects have come a long way, but these stars were still made unrecognisable in the 1968 adaptation of Planet of the Apes

Kim Hunter pictured in Planet of the Apes, 1968.© Bettmann Archive via Getty Images
Daisy Finch
Daisy FinchAudience Writer
57 minutes ago
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In 1968, Planet of the Apes invited audiences to imagine themselves on the opposite side of the cage – as subjects of study, rather than scientists themselves. Characters like George Taylor and Nova remain recognisably human, but other actors found themselves transported in the sci-fi classic, with layers of practical effects that made them into advanced apes. Keep reading to see the actors with and without their futuristic looks...

A split image: on the left, a person in realistic chimpanzee make-up and a green-brown tunic against a red backdrop; on the right, a smiling woman with short brown hair in a navy polka-dot bow blouse in front of shelves of jars.© Getty Images, Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Kim Hunter starred as the compassionate psychologist Dr. Zira

Kim Hunter

Kim Hunter starred as chimpanzee scientist Dr. Zira in the 1968 feature, as well as two sequels, bringing the psychologist and veterinarian to life as she tries to improve the relationship between human subjects and the apes.

Kim originally won acting acclaim with a leading role as Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, a part she originated on Broadway. The performance earned her an Academy Award as well as a Golden Globe Award.

Side-by-side image of Roddy McDowall: on the left in chimpanzee prosthetics and a dark leather tunic against foliage, on the right in a black-and-white portrait glancing over his shoulder in a herringbone jacket and polka-dot tie.© Getty Images

Roddy McDowall played Dr. Zira's fiancé, Cornelius

Roddy McDowall

Roddy McDowall took on the role of chimpanzee scientist Cornelius, the fiancé of Dr. Zira in the 1968 adaptation.

When not dressed as an ape, Roddy was best known for performances in How Green Was My Valley, Fright Night and Lassie Come Home. He died on October 3, 1998.

Side-by-side images: on the left, a person in realistic chimpanzee makeup and a green tunic; on the right, a smiling curly-haired man in a white coat and tie seated in a director's-style chair.

Lou Wagner brought Lucius to life in 1968

Lou Wagner

Lou Wagner played Dr. Zira's rebellious young nephew, Lucius, who helps in the plot to take human subject George Taylor to safety.

When not making a name for himself as a troublemaking chimpanzee, Lou has starred in projects like CHiPs, Hello Down There and Galgameth. He most recently appeared in TV series Mansion of Mystery in 2023.

Black-and-white side-by-side portraits of Maurice Evans: on the left in orangutan makeup with long pale hair and a carved leather robe, on the right in a striped shirt with his hand resting thoughtfully under his chin.© Getty Images

Maurice Evans played Dr. Zaius, the Minister of Science and Chief Defender of the Faith

Maurice Evans

The Minister of Science and Chief Defender of the Faith Dr. Zaius was brought to the screen by Maurice Evans for the 1968 movie.

His other major roles include the eccentric warlock Maurice on Bewitched, as well as appearances in Rosemary's Baby and The War Lord.

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