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1-50 of 245
- Actor
- Writer
- Music Department
Rik Mayall, one of the first and foremost alternative comedians in the UK, was born in Matching Tye, a village just outside Harlow in Essex. His parents, John and Gillian, were both drama teachers. His acting debut was at the age of seven when he appeared in one of his father's stage plays. He met his comedy partner and best friend Adrian "Ade" Edmondson at Manchester University in 1975. Soon, the duo began performing together as a comedy act called "Twentieth Century Coyote" at the now legendary Comedy Store in London. They later moved their act to a venue called "The Comic Strip" and it was there that they were discovered by producer Paul Jackson. Rik and his friends, including Adrian Edmondson, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Alexei Sayle, Peter Richardson, and Nigel Planer were boomed onto television screens with immense success. He wrote The Young Ones (1982) with Ben Elton and Lise Mayer. You loved it or hated it, but you can't deny the impact it had on British sitcoms.
His career was launched, and, aged 24, he became one of the most popular comedians in Britain. He wrote and starred in various other television programmes and films over the years such as The New Statesman (1987); his role in it as Alan B'Stard earned him a BAFTA. He had his brief touch of Hollywood in 1991 when he starred as the title role in Drop Dead Fred (1991), but he soon returned to the British TV screens with Bottom (1991) a show which only ran for 3 seasons from 1991 to 1995 but was so popular that he and "Ade" toured with live shows based on the series around Britain every two years or so up until 2014.
In 1998, he suffered a severe accident and ended up in a coma after he crashed with his quad-bike at his farm in Devon. Luckily, he recovered and starred in films and shows such as Guest House Paradiso (1999) and Day of the Sirens (2002). In 2002, he proved that he was back and ready for action in the comedy series Believe Nothing (2002), which reunited him with Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the writers of "The New Statesman". In 2003, he toured the UK alongside "Ade" with the fifth Bottom Live show.- The fourth and youngest child of Horace and Robina Kelly, Jean Brooks spent her early years in her native Texas before relocating to Costa Rica with her mother after her father's death. Her time in Costa Rica enabled her to become fluent in Spanish, and she began her professional career as a singer with Enric Madriguera and Orchestra in New York City. She had a small role in the New York City-filmed The Crime of Doctor Crespi (1935) and the second lead in a state play, "Name Your Poison" (1938), with Lenore Ulric. She was signed by an independent film production company that had gone under by the time she got to Hollywood. She spent several years at Universal as a leading lady in "B" pictures, including several Johnny Mack Brown westerns, but her option was dropped in late 1941. By this time she had married writer (later director) Richard Brooks and, with a certain Broadway hoofer having just signed at MGM, dropped the Kelly and became Jean Brooks. She signed with RKO, where film buffs know her for her three appearances for cult producer Val Lewton, particularly her stunning performance as a haunted devil worshiper in The Seventh Victim (1943).
Her clipped delivery and intense, forceful acting style made her a promising bet for stardom, but RKO lost interest in her by mid-'44 and her roles got gradually smaller until she was dropped in 1946. She and Brooks divorced (his later studio biographies omitted her name as one of his ex-wives). For many years she was listed as a "Lost Player" championed in several magazine articles by writer Doug McClelland. She was eventually located in San Francisco, where she had moved after her film career petered out, and was employed as a classified ad solicitor on the "San Francisco Examiner" newspaper. She had married a printer named Thomas Leddy. Her death at the Kaiser Hospital in Richmond, California, in 1963 of complications resulting from cirrhosis marked a sad ending for a stylish and talented performer who didn't get the breaks she deserved, both personally and professionally. - Actor
- Soundtrack
Dignified, aristocratic-looking Richard Vernon was born to English parents in Kenya. He was educated at Reading and Leighton Park Schools and commenced his acting career near the end of his wartime service with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, producing, directing and starring in a production of George Bernard Shaw's 'Heartbreak House' for the Combined Services Club. At various times he was stationed in Singapore and Hong Kong. After being demobbed, Richard completed his training at the Central School of Speech and Drama. On the professional stage from 1950, he enjoyed a successful theatrical career in West End productions ranging from 'Peter Pan' (as Mr.Darling) to Noël Coward's 'Hay Fever' (as Richard Greatham). During the 60s, he appeared in supporting roles in several prestigious motion pictures, including Village of the Damned (1960), The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964) and Goldfinger (1964).
Considerably better employed on the small screen, Richard evolved into the consummate scene-stealer. Balding, looking rather older than his years and a dignified bearing made him ideal casting for typically British stiff-upper-lip military or aristocratic types or stuffy senior public servants. A noteworthy early starring role was as The Man in Room 17 (1965), a barrister and ex- war correspondent assigned to a secret unit as an infallible criminologist investigating cases deemed too difficult for the local plods and Scotland Yard. A natural propensity for period drama then insured his successful run in several popular series, notably Upstairs, Downstairs (1971) and The Duchess of Duke Street (1976). Above all, Richard excelled in gleeful old rogues and slightly dishevelled or befuddled eccentrics. His great asset was a way of delivering even the funniest of lines totally deadpan and matter-of-fact. He was wonderfully droll as Lord Bartlesham in the Ripping Yarns (1976) episode 'Roger of the Raj'. Arguably his most famous role was that of galactic fjord builder Slartibartfast in The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981), a part to which he had originally lent his voice in a 1978 radio serial.
A truly unique and likeable character actor, Richard Vernon plied his craft until two years prior to his death from Parkinson's Disease. From 1955 until 1990, he had been married to Benedicta Leigh (née Hoskyns).- Actor
- Soundtrack
Joseph Bennett was born on 28 March 1968 in London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Howards End (1992), The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992) and Swing Kids (1993). He was married to Julie Graham. He died on 13 April 2015 in Richmond, Surrey, England, UK.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Dermot went to University College Dublin, where he studied English and Philosopy. In 1974 he took up a teaching post, but left 2 years later to persue the comedy career that he had started at university. In 1979 his first introduction to TV came with an appearance on "Live Mike" on RTE television as Fr. Trendy, a catholic priest who was religiously hip. He became a regular for the next 4 years. His career took a slump in the mid-eighties, when his humour didn't fit in with the views of RTE who controlled the media in Ireland at the time. In 1988 he set up his own production company, Cue Productions and began work on a radio show called "Scrap Saturday". This show lampooned Irish politicians, and allowed him to use his wonderful talent for mimicry. In 1991, at the height of it's success the show was cancelled by RTE. He remained angry about the cancellation of the show for many years. He returned to doing stand up comedy. In 1995 he started his most popular show, "Father Ted" which won him several awards. He had just completed the third series of "Father Ted" when he died.- John Hollis was born on 12 November 1927 in Fulham, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Flash Gordon (1980) and Superman II (1980). He was married to Sheila Forrester and Gabrielle Hamilton. He died on 18 October 2005 in Richmond upon Thames, London, England, UK.
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Sometime in the early 1930s, Denny was between scenes on a movie set when he met a neighborhood boy who was trying to fly a bulky gas-powered model plane. When he tried to help by making an adjustment on the machine, Denny succeeded only in wrecking it. But this launched his infatuation with model aviation, and his new hobby grew into Reginald Denny Industries, maker of model plane kits.
When the U.S. Army began hunting for a better and safer way to train anti-aircraft gunners than using targets towed by piloted planes, Denny and his associates Walter Righter and Paul Whittier began work on a radio-controlled target drone, and their third prototype won them an Army contract. Radioplane was formed in 1940, and during WWII produced nearly 15,000 target drones (the RP-5A) for the Army. Radioplane was later purchased by Northrop in 1952.- William Beckley, born in London, England on January 15, 1930, was known for his many television roles from the 1960's through the late 1980's. He was perhaps best remembered for playing along side actors John Forsythe, Linda Evans and Joan Collins as Gerard the butler in Dynasty (1981) .
Later in life he resided near Richmond, Virginia and passed away on March 11, 2015. - Michael Bryant was born on 5 April 1928 in London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) and The Ruling Class (1972). He was married to Judith Coke and Josephine Martin. He died on 25 April 2002 in Richmond, London, England, UK.
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Richard Morant was born on 30 October 1945 in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Last Place on Earth (1985), Poldark (1975) and Jack the Ripper (1988). He was married to Valerie Buchanan and Melissa Louise Fairbanks. He died on 9 November 2011 in Richmond, Surrey, England, UK.- Actor
- Sound Department
Thor Macht was born in New Orleans, LA and raised in Richmond, VA. Thor graduated from Mills E. Godwin High School and was awarded the Most Valuable Eagle of the Class of 2013. He began his acting career in 2014 when he answered an ad for extras for the AMC Series "Turn: Washington's Spies". While Turn was still in production, Thor was also involved in the PBS Series "Mercy Street" and continued to flourish. He had a role in Meg Ryan's film "Ithaca" and got to meet Daniel Radcliffe on the set as an extra in the film "Imperium".
Thor began earning speaking roles in webseries' such as, "The Adventures of Bellatrix and Ayah" and "The Spy Force". He continued to receive roles in television series such as, "Legends and Lies", "America: Facts vs Fiction", "Deadly Demands" and "Deadly Shootouts".
Thor's biggest break was when he accepted the role of Dan LaCoy in the 2016 film "Hurt", a movie that focused on teen depression, suicide, and school shootings.
In 2018 Thor voiced the role of Chuck in the pilot episode of the animated series "The Chuck and Wendy Show".
Thor is also a freelance photographer for the Henrico Citizen, the indoor football team previously known as the Richmond Roughriders, and the Richmond Times Dispatch. He enjoys volunteering his time and talents photographing his alma mater's sporting, choral, and theatrical events. He proudly shares his portfolio known as "TM8688 Photography."- Robert Swann was born on 18 March 1945 in New Forest, Hampshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for If.... (1968), The Madness of King George (1994) and Anna Karenina (1977). He was married to Susan Brodrick. He died on 17 April 2006 in Richmond upon Thames, Surrey, England, UK.
- Actor
- Production Manager
John Welsh was born on 7 November 1914 in Wexford, Ireland. He was an actor and production manager, known for Krull (1983), To Serve Them All My Days (1980) and The Duchess of Duke Street (1976). He died on 21 April 1985 in Richmond, London, England, UK.- Duke Hobbie was born on 6 May 1942 in Helena, Georgia, USA. He was an actor, known for In Cold Blood (1967), Model Shop (1969) and Marooned (1969). He was married to Elaine Colette Petit. He died on 24 February 2000 in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Best known for his appearances on British television in the comedy series Father, Dear Father (1968), Patrick Cargill was also a distinguished stage actor and a brilliant farceur. His immaculate timing was known throughout the profession to the point that when directors were casting a certain type of leading role they would refer to it as a "Patrick Cargill part".
Cargill made his stage debut in Bexhill on Sea, Sussex, as a teenager before joining Anthony Hawtrey's company in London. Throughout the 1950s he was rarely off the West End stage in a string of farces and comedies, in many of which he played the leading role.
In 1967 he was offered the television series Father, Dear Father, written especially for him, in which he played a thriller writer, the inept father of two teenage daughters who were played by Natasha Pyne and Ann Holloway. The series ran until 1973 and in 1976 he returned to television in The Many Wives of Patrick (1976), in which he appeared as a middle-aged playboy trying to divorce his sixth wife in order to remarry his first.
In 1978 he appeared on the London stage in a revival of Anthony Shaffer's thriller, "Sleuth", which was not well received by the critics on the grounds that with all his charm, Cargill's leading role lacked menace.
In 1967 he was personally chosen by Charles Chaplin to play the role of Hudson, "a gentleman's gentleman", in the film A Countess from Hong Kong (1967). The two actors struck up a close friendship. A superb light comedian, Cargill said: "Comedy is instinctive. You know it's there but the moment you consciously search for it you're completely lost. Timing is a skill that you develop over the years. It gives you the necessary courage to wait - to pause while the audience gathers in anticipation."- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Len Carlson was born on 2 September 1937 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He was an actor, known for Cypher (2002), The Raccoons: Let's Dance! (1984) and Mighty Thor (1966). He was married to Judy Carlson. He died on 26 January 2006 in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Dave Brockie was born on 30 August 1963 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He was an actor and director, known for Digging Up the Marrow (2014), Universal Soldier: The Return (1999) and Empire Records (1995). He died on 23 March 2014 in Richmond, Virginia, USA.- Bert Belasco was born on 26 October 1982 in South Carolina, USA. He was an actor, known for For Prophet (2024), Pitch (2016) and NCIS: New Orleans (2014). He died on 8 November 2020 in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Mark Joy was born on 31 July 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. He was an actor and producer, known for Black Knight (2001), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Pecker (1998). He died on 24 January 2024 in Richmond, Virginia, USA.- Donald Morley was born on 9 June 1923 in Fulham, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Railway Children (1957), Westway (1976) and The Crime of the Century (1956). He was married to Marianne Morley and Enid Irvin. He died on 27 May 1999 in Richmond, Surrey, England, UK.
- Woody Eney was born on 8 June 1937 in Canberra, Australia. He was an actor, known for Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), Firefox (1982) and Jagged Edge (1985). He was married to Bobbie Sharon Loving. He died on 16 January 2017 in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
- Stephanie Bidmead was born on 29 January 1929 in Birmingham, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Doctor Who (1963), BBC Play of the Month (1965) and Theatre 625 (1964). She died on 22 September 1974 in Richmond upon Thames, Surrey, England, UK.
- Edward Rigby was born on 5 February 1879 in Ashford, Kent, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950), The Stars Look Down (1940) and Young and Innocent (1937). He was married to Phyllis [Muriel Mary] Austin (novelist). He died on 5 April 1951 in Richmond, Surrey, England, UK.
- Stunts
- Actor
Sean McCabe was born on 13 December 1964. He was an actor, known for Aliens (1986), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and GoldenEye (1995). He died on 15 July 2003 in Richmond upon Thames, London, England, UK.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Russell Waters began his acting career in the 1930s and soon found himself cast in various film roles at the start of what promised to be a bright future as an actor. Unfortunately, WWII radically changed his prospects; conscripted into the army for the duration and wounded at some point around mid to late 1944 which saw him invalided back to England.
Shortly after his return home he met a young war widow Barbara; they married and produced four children: John Waters, Angela, Stephen, and Fiona Fizz Waters. The Waters family lived in a rented top floor 2 bedroom flat in Anlaby Road, Teddington, Middlesex close to the Thames TV studios. Russell's career was capricious to say the least, an obviously talented actor, underrated and often overlooked probably due to the vagaries of time and circumstance brought about by the events of WWII.