British actors died in 1972
Here are 16 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 1972:
Leo G. Carroll
Leo G. Carroll (October 25, 1882 Weedon Bec-October 16, 1972 Hollywood) a.k.a. Leo Carroll or Leo Gratten Carroll was a British actor.
He initially started his career in the theatre in England before moving to the United States in the 1930s. Throughout his career, Carroll appeared in over 100 films and television series, often playing distinguished-looking and authoritative figures such as doctors, lawyers, and professors. Some of his notable roles were in Alfred Hitchcock's films such as "North by Northwest" and "Rebecca," as well as on television shows like "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "Topper." Carroll was widely respected for his versatility and talent as an actor, and he remained active in his profession until his death in 1972.
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Compton Mackenzie
Compton Mackenzie (January 17, 1883 West Hartlepool-November 30, 1972 Edinburgh) a.k.a. Edward Montague Compton Mackenzie, Sir (Edward Montague) Compton Mackenzie, OBE, Compton Mac Kenzie, Sir Compton MacKenzie or Compton MacKenzie was a British writer, raconteur, athlete, actor, broadcaster and activist.
He studied at Oxford University and later served in the British Army during World War I. Mackenzie is best known for his comedic novel "Whisky Galore" (1947), which was later adapted into a successful film. He also wrote several other novels, such as "Carnival" (1912) and "Sinister Street" (1913), as well as many non-fiction works. In addition to his writing career, Mackenzie was a prominent member of the Scottish National Party and an advocate for Scottish independence. Later in life, he was awarded numerous honors, including a knighthood and the Order of the British Empire.
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Nigel Green
Nigel Green (October 15, 1924 Pretoria-May 15, 1972 Brighton) a.k.a. Nigel Greene was a British actor.
He was best known for his roles in a number of classic British films, including _Zulu_ (1964), _Jason and the Argonauts_ (1963), and _The Ipcress File_ (1965). Green began his career in the theater, performing on stage in London's West End and other cities throughout the United Kingdom. He made his film debut in the early 1950s and went on to appear in over 100 films throughout his career. In addition to his work in film, Green also appeared on television, starring in several popular British series, including _The Avengers_, _Doctor Who_, and _The Saint_. He was known for his commanding presence and his ability to portray both heroic and villainous characters with equal skill. Green tragically died of an overdose in 1972, at the age of 47.
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Jack Melford
Jack Melford (September 5, 1899 London-October 22, 1972 Poole) also known as Jack Kenneth G. Melford or John Kenneth George Smith was a British actor. He had one child, Jill Melford.
Melford had a successful career spanning over four decades in film, television, and radio. He began his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in many notable films such as "The Green Scarf" (1954), "Lust for Life" (1956), and "Carry on Sergeant" (1958). He also had a recurring role in the popular TV series "Dr. Finlay's Casebook" as Dr. Cameron.
Melford was also a talented radio actor and an announcer. He was often heard on BBC radio during the 1940s and 1950s, and was known for his distinctive voice. In addition to his acting work, Melford was also a committed political activist, and was a member of the Labour Party.
Despite his success, Melford was known for his modesty and for being a genuinely kind person. He passed away in Poole in 1972 at the age of 73, leaving behind a lasting legacy in British film and television.
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Colin Gordon
Colin Gordon (April 27, 1911 Sri Lanka-October 4, 1972 Haslemere) otherwise known as Colin Fraser Gordon or Gordon was a British actor.
Colin Gordon started his acting career in the early 1940s after serving in the British Army during World War II. He appeared in numerous films, including the 1959 James Bond film "Goldfinger" as the character "Number Two". His notable television roles included playing the character "Colonel White" in the cult classic show "Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons" in the 1960s. Additionally, he had a recurring role as "Sir Malcolm" in the popular British sitcom "The Liver Birds" in the 1970s. Beyond his acting career, Colin Gordon was also known for his writing and poetry. He was a published poet and authored a book titled "I Leap Over the Wall" which documented his experience as a prisoner of war during WWII.
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George Sanders
George Sanders (July 3, 1906 Saint Petersburg-April 25, 1972 Castelldefels) a.k.a. George Henry Sanders, Georges Sanders or Greer, Joann & Sanders, George was a British actor, composer, singer-songwriter and author.
He began his acting career in the UK with small roles in film and theater productions. In the 1930s, he achieved international recognition for his portrayal of Simon Templar in the British mystery thriller series "The Saint." He also starred in several Hollywood films, including "Rebecca" and "All About Eve," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Sanders was known for his distinctive deep voice, which he also used as a narrator in films and television programs. In addition to acting, he was also a talented composer and singer, releasing several albums throughout his career. He also penned several novels, memoirs, and non-fiction books on various subjects.
Tragically, Sanders ended his own life in 1972 at the age of 65. Despite his successes, he struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life, and his death was a shock to both fans and colleagues alike.
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Russell Thorndike
Russell Thorndike (February 6, 1885 Rochester-November 7, 1972 London) a.k.a. Arthur Russell Thorndike was a British novelist and actor.
He was known for his series of Dr. Syn novels, featuring the famous "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh" character. Thorndike also had a successful career as a character actor, appearing in numerous films and plays in the 1930s and 1940s. He was the brother of famous actress Dame Sybil Thorndike and the uncle of actors Sir John and Dame Anne Thorndike. In addition to his writing and acting, Thorndike was also a talented artist and illustrator.
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Walter Byron
Walter Byron (June 11, 1899 Leicester-March 2, 1972 Signal Hill) a.k.a. Walter Clarence Butler or Walter Butler was a British actor.
Byron started his acting career on the stage in the early 1920s before transitioning to film in the mid-1920s. He became known for his roles in romantic dramas and adventure films of the era. Byron's notable film credits include "The Mysterious Island" (1929), "Rasputin and the Empress" (1932), and "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935).
In the late 1930s, Byron's film career began to decline, and he started to focus on television and stage work. He also served in the US Army during World War II. After the war, Byron continued to work in film, television, and theater sporadically until his retirement in the early 1960s.
Byron was married twice and had two children. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 72.
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Hugh McDermott
Hugh McDermott (March 20, 1908 Edinburgh-January 29, 1972 London) also known as Hugh Patrick McDermott was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the United Kingdom in the 1930s, appearing in films such as "Penny Paradise" (1938) and "Medal for the General" (1944). McDermott also served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, achieving the rank of flight lieutenant.
After the war, he appeared in several notable films such as "The Loves of Carmen" (1948), "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957), and "Ben-Hur" (1959). McDermott also worked extensively in television, starring in numerous British series such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Saint."
In addition to his acting career, McDermott was an accomplished athlete and represented Great Britain in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics as a sprinter. He also worked as a sports commentator for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
McDermott was married to British actress Jane Baxter and the couple had one son together. He passed away in London in 1972 at the age of 63.
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Nicholas Hannen
Nicholas Hannen (May 1, 1881 London-June 25, 1972 London) otherwise known as Beau, Beau Hannen, Nicholas James Hannen, Nicholas James "Beau" Hannen or Nicholas "Beau" Hannen was a British actor. He had two children, Hermione Hannen and Jane Hannen.
Hannen began his acting career in the 1900s and appeared in numerous productions on the West End, including "The Importance of Being Earnest," "The Sleeping Prince," and "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." He also appeared in several films, such as "Fire Over England," "Moonshine" and "The Ghost Goes West."
Aside from his work in entertainment, Hannen was also a member of the British Army during World War I, serving with the Coldstream Guards. He later became a Justice of the Peace and sat on the bench in Hertfordshire for over twenty-five years.
Hannen was well-known for his distinctive looks, often described as "distinguished" and "aristocratic." He was considered one of the most handsome actors of his time and was known for playing upper-class characters.
In 1960, Hannen was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), in recognition of his contributions to the arts. He continued to act until his final role in the film "Young Winston" in 1972, the year of his death at the age of 91.
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Gerald Hamer
Gerald Hamer (November 16, 1886 South Wales-July 6, 1972 Hollywood) also known as Geoffrey Earle Watton, Geoffrey Earl Watton or Geoffrey E. Watton was a British actor. He had one child, Robert Hamer.
Gerald Hamer began his acting career in Britain and starred in several plays before moving to Hollywood to work in films. He appeared in over 70 films in his career, including "The Wolf Man" (1941), "The Invisible Man's Revenge" (1944), and "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945). He often played small roles as a character actor and was known for his distinctive voice.
In addition to his acting career, Gerald Hamer was also a playwright and screenwriter. He wrote several plays and worked on the scripts for several films, including "The Werewolf of London" (1935) and "The Invisible Man's Revenge" (1944).
Hamer retired from acting in the 1950s and spent the rest of his life in Hollywood. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 85.
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Edward Sloman
Edward Sloman (July 19, 1886 London-September 29, 1972 Woodland Hills) also known as Edward H. Sloman, Edward S. Sloman, Ted Sloman or Ted was a British screenwriter, film director, actor, radio broadcaster, theatre director, radio producer and radio writer. He had one child, Leslee Sloman.
Sloman began his career on stage in Britain, eventually transitioning to film and working for studios such as Universal, Paramount, and MGM. He directed over 70 films during his career, including notable titles such as "The Sea Beast" (1926), "The Road to Glory" (1926), and "The Idle Rich" (1929). Sloman was also known for his work in radio, both as a broadcaster and a writer, and produced/directed several successful shows, including the popular series "Grand Central Station" and "Crime Doctor." Despite his success, Sloman's legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by other prominent directors of his time.
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Hamilton Dyce
Hamilton Dyce (March 14, 1912 Sandhurst-January 8, 1972 Surrey) was a British actor.
Dyce started his acting career in the 1940s, performing in various productions in London's West End theater district. He made his film debut in the 1947 movie "Odd Man Out". Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Prisoner," "The Avengers," and "The Saint."
In addition to his acting work, Dyce was also a writer and director. He wrote the play "The Pedagogue," which was performed at the Arts Theatre in London in 1953. He also directed a production of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" at the New Theatre in London in 1959.
Dyce's final onscreen appearance was in the 1971 film "Nicholas and Alexandra." He passed away the following year at the age of 59.
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Franklyn Engelman
Franklyn Engelman (March 4, 1908 London-November 27, 1972) also known as Franklin Engelmann or Jingle was a British actor.
Engelman started his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout his career. He was known for his distinctive voice, which led him to become a television announcer for the BBC in the 1950s. He was the voice of the popular television show "This Is Your Life" and also worked as a newsreader for the BBC. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Engelman was an avid collector of art and antiques, and his collection was eventually sold at auction following his death. He was also a supporter of the arts, and helped to establish the National Theatre in London.
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David McCallum, Sr.
David McCallum, Sr. (March 26, 1897 Kilsyth-March 21, 1972 Arundel) also known as David McCallum was a British actor and musician. His children are called David McCallum and Iain McCallum.
David McCallum was born in Kilsyth, Scotland and began his acting career in the 1920s. He appeared in numerous British films and TV shows such as "Who Goes There!" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood". He gained international fame for his role as Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s TV show "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.".
In addition to his acting career, McCallum was also a talented musician. He played the oboe and was a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He also composed music for films and TV shows.
McCallum was married twice and had six children. His son David McCallum, Jr. is also an actor, known for his role as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in the TV show "NCIS".
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Felix Felton
Felix Felton (August 12, 1911-October 21, 1972 London) was a British actor, screenwriter and voice actor.
He was born in Birmingham, England and started his acting career in the 1930s. Felton appeared in a number of British films throughout his career, including "Nicholas Nickleby" (1947) and "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951). He also worked on radio as a writer and performer, and is perhaps best remembered as the voice of Scott Tracy in the popular 1960s TV series "Thunderbirds". In addition to his acting career, Felton was a talented writer, and penned several plays which were produced on the West End. He died in London in 1972 at the age of 61.
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