Brian Jackson(1931-2022)

For the better part of his working life he was known as "The Man from Del Monte". This distinguished-looking, white-suited, Panama hat-wearing gent became the public face for an American brand of fruit juice, advertised in commercials which aired on British television screens for some 20 years. Though keenly interested in the acting profession from early on, Jackson's first job was as an air crew cameraman for the Fleet Air Arm, trained at the Royal Navy School of Photography. In later years, he would make use of his qualifications to set up his own photographic, film and recording studios at Hampden Gurney Studios complex at Marble Arch in London. A self-described 'jobbing actor', Jackson began as a bit player with local repertory companies and subsequently forged a career in radio (his favorite medium) and on stage, including at the Old Vic and three seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-upon-Avon. He appeared alongside Ginger Rogers in the musical Mame at London's Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. His commanding voice was also effectively utilised on many documentaries and BBC radio dramas. Acting on screen from 1958, Jackson often portrayed police or military officers, priests or academics.