Here are 15 famous actors from United Kingdom died at 56:
Billy Mayerl (May 31, 1902 England-March 25, 1959) also known as Mayerl, Billy or Billy Joseph Mayerl was a British pianist, composer and actor.
He began playing piano at a young age and went on to become one of the leading lights of British light music in the 1920s and 1930s. Known for his syncopated piano style and catchy tunes, Mayerl was a prolific composer and arranger, and his music was featured in numerous films, radio programs, and stage productions. In addition to his musical career, Mayerl also appeared in a number of films during the 1930s, often playing himself or performing his own compositions on screen. Despite suffering a stroke in the mid-1940s that left him partially paralyzed, Mayerl continued to compose and perform until his death in 1959. Today, he is remembered as one of the pioneers of British popular music, and his compositions remain popular with musicians and audiences alike.
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Rik Mayall (March 7, 1958 Epping-June 9, 2014 Barnes, London) a.k.a. Richard Michael Mayall, Rick, Colin Grigson, Mad Gerald, 20th Century Coyote or Richard Michael "Rik" Mayall was a British comedian, actor, screenwriter and writer. He had three children, Rosie Mayall, Bonnie Mayall and Sidney Mayall.
Mayall is best known for his comedic roles in television sitcoms such as "The Young Ones", "Blackadder", and "Bottom". He was also a pioneer of alternative comedy in the 1980s, performing with his longtime comedy partner Ade Edmondson in comedy shows such as "The Comic Strip Presents..." and "Filthy Rich & Catflap".
Aside from his television work, Mayall also appeared in films such as "Drop Dead Fred", "Guest House Paradiso", and "An American Werewolf in London". He was also an accomplished stage actor, appearing in productions such as "The New Statesman" and "Waiting for Godot".
Mayall was admired by many for his irreverent comedic style and his ability to push boundaries. He remained a beloved figure in British comedy until his untimely death in 2014, at the age of 56.
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David Bauer (March 6, 1917 Chicago-July 13, 1973 London) also known as David Wolfe was a British actor. His child is Alexa Bauer.
David Bauer was born in Chicago to British parents and raised in the United Kingdom. He studied theatre in London before beginning his acting career in both film and television. Bauer appeared in over 80 films and television episodes throughout his career, including well-known movies like "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" and "Thunderball." He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his talents to many animated series and radio dramas. Bauer was married twice and had two children, including his daughter Alexa Bauer who went on to become a successful makeup artist. Bauer passed away in London in 1973 at the age of 56.
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Patrick Newell (March 27, 1932 Hadleigh, Suffolk-July 22, 1988 Essex) a.k.a. Patrick David Newell was a British actor.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Patrick Newell was best known for his television roles, particularly as the character of Mother in the 1960s spy series The Avengers. He was a versatile actor who performed in many other television shows such as The Saint, The Prisoner, The Troubleshooters and The Onedin Line. Newell started his acting career as a teenager and worked as a stage actor before he made his transition to television in the mid-1950s. In addition to his acting career, Newell was also a stage and television producer. In the 1980s he worked on several productions, including the successful British TV series A Fine Romance. Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Newell had a passion for history and was an accomplished author, writing several books on the subject.
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Peter Dyneley (April 13, 1921 Hastings-August 19, 1977 London) also known as Peter was a British actor and voice actor. His children are Richard Dyneley and Amanda Dyneley.
He died as a result of cancer.
Peter Dyneley was best known for his voice-over work in the Supermarionation television series including the lead character Jeff Tracy in Thunderbirds. He also voiced several other characters in the show. Dyneley appeared in many other film and TV productions throughout his career such as The Frightened City, The Reptile, UFO and The Champions. Dyneley was also an accomplished stage actor and worked in theaters across the UK including West End productions. When he passed away in 1977, his ashes were scattered in the English Channel.
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Ivor Dean (December 21, 1917 London-August 10, 1974 Truro) a.k.a. Ivor Donald Dean was a British actor and writer.
He died in heart failure.
Dean was best known for his roles in British TV series such as "No Hiding Place" and "The Saint". He also appeared in films, including "The Right Person" and "The Kiss of the Vampire". In addition to his work as an actor, Dean was also a successful writer, penning plays and television scripts throughout his career. He was a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and served in the Royal Artillery during World War II.
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Colin Blakely (September 23, 1930 Bangor-May 7, 1987 London) also known as Colin George Blakely, Colin Blankey or Colin Blakeley was a British actor. His children are Drummond Blakely, Cameron Blakely and Hamish Blakely.
He died as a result of leukemia.
Blakely began his acting career in the 1950s in theater productions such as "The Boyfriend" and "Lock Up Your Daughters". He later transitioned to film and television, earning critical acclaim for his roles in movies such as "A Man for All Seasons" and "Equus". He also appeared in several episodes of the popular television series "The Avengers". In addition to acting, Blakely was also a talented singer and performed in several musical productions throughout his career. Despite his success, he was known for being a private individual and rarely spoke to the media about his personal life.
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S. J. Warmington (December 16, 1884 Hertfordshire-May 10, 1941 Kensington) a.k.a. Stanley J. Warmington or Stanley James Warmington was a British actor and journalist.
He began his career in journalism, working as a reporter for the Yorkshire Post and the Daily Mail. In the early 1920s, he transitioned to acting and appeared in a number of successful plays and films, often portraying upper-class characters. He also became a well-known radio personality, hosting a popular show called "The Brains Trust" which featured discussions on topical issues. In his later years, he returned to journalism, contributing articles and reviews to various newspapers and magazines. He passed away in 1941 at the age of 56.
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Blake Butler (October 22, 1924 Barrow-in-Furness-April 15, 1981 Bromley) was a British actor.
Butler began his acting career at the age of 16, when he joined the Old Vic Theatre in London. He later went on to perform in several stage productions, including "Hamlet" and "Macbeth." In the 1950s, he transitioned to television and film, appearing in various series and movies such as "The Saint," "Doctor Who," and "The Vampire Lovers."
One of Butler's most notable roles was in the popular British drama series, "The Avengers," where he played the character of Dr. Armstrong in several episodes. He also appeared in the iconic film "The Dirty Dozen" (1967), alongside Hollywood legends such as Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson.
Butler was known for his versatile acting skills and ability to portray a wide range of characters. He was highly respected in the entertainment industry and is remembered as one of the greatest British actors of his time.
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Clive Burr (March 8, 1957 East Ham-March 12, 2013 London) otherwise known as Burr, Clive was a British musician, drummer, songwriter and actor.
He died as a result of multiple sclerosis.
Burr was best known for his work as the drummer of the pioneering British heavy metal band, Iron Maiden from 1979 to 1982. He played on the band's first three albums including their landmark album, "The Number of the Beast," which was a huge commercial success. Burr also played in several other bands including Samson, Trust, and Elixir. He was admired for his powerful and energetic drumming style which made a significant contribution to the development of heavy metal music. In addition to his work in music, Burr also appeared in the British film "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu" in 1980. He is remembered as a talented and passionate musician who was greatly respected by his peers in the music industry.
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Richard Ainley (December 22, 1910 Stanmore-May 18, 1967 London) also known as Richard Riddle or Richard Riddell was a British actor.
He was born in Stanmore, Middlesex, England and made his acting debut in 1928 at the age of 18. Ainley appeared in over 40 films during his career, including "The Saint's Vacation" (1941), "The Gentle Sex" (1943), and "The Agony and the Ecstasy" (1965). He also had a successful stage career, appearing in productions of "The Sign of the Cross," "Hamlet," and "Journey's End," among others. Ainley was married twice and had three children, including actress Susan Stephen. He passed away in 1967 at the age of 56 from a heart attack.
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Roddy McMillan (March 23, 1923 Glasgow-July 9, 1979 Glasgow) was a British actor and playwright.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
McMillan began his career as a playwright, with his play "The Bevellers" being performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1959. He then transitioned to acting, appearing in a variety of films, television shows, and stage productions. Some of his notable roles include playing Mr. McAllister in the film "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and portraying the character of Detective Jardine in the long-running BBC series "Sutherland's Law". McMillan was also a member of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and taught acting there later in his career.
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George Formby (May 26, 1904 Wigan-March 6, 1961 Preston, Lancashire) also known as George Formby, Jr., Formby, George, George Fotmby, George Hoy Booth, Ukulele George, George Hoy, George Formby, OBE or George Formby Jr. was a British singer-songwriter, comedian, actor and musician.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
George Formby was born George Hoy Booth to a family of performers. His father, George Formby Sr., was a popular music hall performer, and his mother, Eliza, was a singer and dancer. Young George started performing with his parents at a young age, and it wasn't long before he struck out on his own.
Formby's popularity skyrocketed in the 1930s and 40s with his comedic songs and performances, usually involving his trusty ukulele. Some of his most famous songs include "With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock" and "Leaning on a Lamp Post."
Aside from music, Formby was also an accomplished actor, starring in several successful films throughout his career. He even performed for the troops during World War II.
Despite his success, Formby's personal life was plagued with health issues and financial troubles. He suffered from chronic kidney problems and had to undergo several surgeries throughout his life. He also struggled with tax problems and had to sell many of his possessions to pay off his debts.
In 1961, Formby suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 56. Despite the challenges he faced, he remains a beloved icon of British entertainment to this day.
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Michael Craze (November 29, 1942 Newquay-December 8, 1998 Surrey) was a British actor. He had one child, Ben Craze.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Michael Craze was best known for his role as Ben Jackson in the popular science fiction television series, Doctor Who. He appeared in a total of 49 episodes between 1966 and 1967. Prior to his work on Doctor Who, Craze had appeared in several other television shows, including Emergency - Ward 10 and United!. After his time on Doctor Who, he continued to work in television, appearing in shows such as Dixon of Dock Green and Softly, Softly. He also had a recurring role in the series, Compact. In addition to his television work, Craze also acted in a number of stage productions.
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Reginald Beckwith (November 2, 1908 York-June 26, 1965 Bourne End) a.k.a. William Reginald Beckwith was a British actor, playwright, critic and screenwriter.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Reginald Beckwith had a prolific career in both film and television, with over 100 credits to his name in a career that spanned four decades. Some of his most notable film roles include "Night and the City" (1950), "The 39 Steps" (1959), and "Carry On Nurse" (1959). In addition to his work in front of the camera, Beckwith was also an accomplished playwright, having penned several successful plays including "Two and Two Make Sex" and "The More We Are Together". He was also a respected critic and screenwriter, contributing to various publications throughout his career. Beckwith was married twice and had two children.
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