Here are 21 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 1978:
Jack Hulbert (April 24, 1892 Ely, Cambridgeshire-March 25, 1978 Westminster) also known as John Norman Hulbert or John Norman "Jack" Hulbert was a British actor and screenwriter.
He began his career as a stage actor in the 1920s and then transitioned to film in the 1930s. He starred in popular British comedy films such as "Jack of All Trades," "All In," and "The Ghost Train." Hulbert was often paired on screen with his wife, actress Cicely Courtneidge, and the duo became known as one of Britain's favorite comedy duos. In addition to acting, Hulbert also wrote screenplays for several of their films. He continued to act on stage and screen throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
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Ray Noble (December 17, 1903 Brighton-April 3, 1978 London) otherwise known as Ray Nobel or Noble, Ray was a British composer, bandleader and actor.
He began his career in the 1920s as a popular dance band leader and songwriter, and by the 1930s was working in Hollywood as an arranger and composer for films. He wrote the music for several films, including "Love Is the Sweetest Thing" and "The Way You Look Tonight," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He also played a small role in the film "The Big Broadcast of 1937." Noble returned to England to lead a band during World War II, and continued to perform and record throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He was a respected figure in the British music industry until his death in 1978.
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Ronnie Waldman (May 13, 1914 London-March 10, 1978) also known as Ronald Hartley Waldman or Ronald Waldman was a British actor and television producer.
Waldman started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, appearing in various films and TV shows in the 1940s and 1950s. He later transitioned into producing television programs and was known for his work on popular shows such as The Benny Hill Show and The Morecambe & Wise Show. Waldman also produced several features films including The Best House in London (1969) and The Alf Garnett Saga (1972).
In addition to producing, Waldman also had a successful career as a talent manager and represented notable actors such as David Hemmings and Charlotte Rampling. He was known for his sharp business acumen and pioneering efforts in developing innovative talent management techniques.
Waldman passed away in 1978 at the age of 63. He is remembered for his influential and groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry, which helped pave the way for future generations of producers and talent managers.
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Wilfred Pickles (October 13, 1904 Halifax-March 26, 1978) was a British actor.
He was most famous for his role as a radio presenter on the BBC's "Have a Go" quiz show, which ran from 1946 to 1967. Pickles' affable Yorkshire charm endeared him to millions of listeners, and he became a household name in Britain. In addition to his broadcasting work, Pickles appeared in several films and television shows, including "Sons and Lovers" (1960) and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1955-1959). He was married to the actress Mabel Pickles, and the couple had two children together. Despite his success, Pickles remained down-to-earth and approachable, and his legacy continues to inspire broadcasters and entertainers today.
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Carleton Hobbs (June 18, 1898 Farnborough-July 31, 1978 London) was a British actor.
He was most known for his work on the radio, where he regularly performed in BBC dramas, including playing Sherlock Holmes in over 80 adaptations of the famous detective stories. Hobbs also appeared in film and television, with notable roles in "The Errol Flynn Theatre" and "The Very Merry Widow." He was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1969 for his services to drama. In addition to his acting career, Hobbs was also a talented singer and performed in several operas and musicals.
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Edgar Lustgarten (May 3, 1907 Manchester-December 15, 1978 Marylebone) also known as Brent Wood, Edgar Marcus Lustgarte or Edgar Marcus Lustgarten was a British writer, journalist and actor.
He was best known for his work in true crime, having written several books and hosted a television series on the subject called "Scotland Yard" in the 1950s and 60s. Lustgarten began his career as a lawyer before turning to writing and journalism. In addition to his work in true crime, he also wrote plays, novels, and biographies. Lustgarten's acting career included roles in several films and television shows, including the British television series "The Onedin Line." He was a prolific writer throughout his career, having published over 40 books in various genres. Lustgarten passed away in 1978 at the age of 71.
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Jack Jackson (February 20, 1906 Belvedere, London-January 15, 1978 Rickmansworth) otherwise known as Mr. Jack Jackson was a British bandleader, trumpeter, composer, disc jockey and actor.
He started out his career as a trumpet player, playing in various bands in the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1940s, he became a renowned bandleader, leading the popular BBC dance band, The Jack Jackson Orchestra. He was also a prolific composer, with several of his songs reaching the top of the charts.
In addition to his music career, Jackson was also a disc jockey and hosted his own radio show on the BBC, where he played a variety of music genres. He was a pioneer in televised disc jockeying, hosting his own music show on BBC television in the early 1950s.
Jackson was also an actor, appearing in a number of British films in the 1950s and 1960s. He was known for his role in the film "The Night We Got the Bird" (1961) and "The Plank" (1979).
Throughout his career, Jackson was a beloved figure in the British entertainment industry, known for his musical talent and charismatic personality.
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Jack Woolgar (September 15, 1913 Thames Ditton-July 14, 1978 Huddersfield) was a British actor.
Woolgar began his career as a stage actor, performing in various productions in the West End and on Broadway. He later transitioned to film and television, and appeared in over 60 productions throughout his career. Woolgar was known for his distinctive voice and played a wide range of roles, from stern authority figures to comic characters.
Some of his notable film appearances include "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961), "A Hard Day's Night" (1964), and "The Dirty Dozen" (1967). He also had recurring roles on popular TV shows such as "The Avengers" and "Dixon of Dock Green."
Outside of his acting career, Woolgar was a founding member of the Actors' Equity Association and served as its president from 1969 to 1972. He was also an accomplished painter and exhibited his work at various galleries.
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Austin Trevor (October 7, 1897 Belfast-January 22, 1978 Bury St Edmunds) also known as Claude Austin Trevor, Auston Trevor or Austen Trevor was a British actor.
He was best known for his portrayal of Inspector French in several film adaptations of the popular detective novels by Freeman Wills Crofts. Trevor had a prolific career in theatre, film, and television, appearing in over 70 films and numerous stage productions. He began his acting career on the stage, performing in West End productions in London and later in repertory theatre across the country. Trevor's film credits include "Life and Death of Colonel Blimp", "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and "The 39 Steps". On television, he appeared in popular series such as "The Saint", "The Avengers", and "Doctor Who". Trevor was also an accomplished director and producer, directing several stage productions and serving as artistic director of the Leatherhead Theatre.
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Harry Wilson (November 22, 1897 London-September 6, 1978 Woodland Hills) was a British actor and character actor.
He appeared in over 80 films, including "The Thief of Bagdad" (1924), "Beau Geste" (1939), and "The African Queen" (1951). Wilson began his career on the stage, performing in London's West End before transitioning to film in the 1920s. He was known for his ability to play a variety of roles, from villains to charming supporting characters. Later in his career, Wilson also acted in television shows including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood." He continued acting until his death in 1978 at the age of 80.
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Philip Ray (November 1, 1898 London-April 1, 1978 London) also known as Roy Edgar Ray or Phil Ray was a British actor.
He first began his acting career on stage and later transitioned to film, appearing in over 40 films during his career. He often played supporting roles, portraying characters with a calm and authoritative demeanor. Some of his notable film roles include "The Wicked Lady" (1945), "The Ghosts of Berkeley Square" (1947), and "The Hasty Heart" (1949). In addition to his acting work, Ray was also a talented painter who exhibited his work in London galleries.
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Ronald Ward (April 15, 1901 Eastbourne-March 31, 1978 London) a.k.a. Ronald William Ward was a British actor. He had one child, Theo Ward.
Ward began his career in the entertainment industry in the early 1920s, performing in silent films. He later transitioned to stage work and made numerous appearances in London's West End. In addition to acting, Ward was a skilled pianist and often incorporated his musical talents into his performances. He also worked as a voice actor for several animated films.
Ward's notable film credits include "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (1934), "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" (1947), and "Carry On Sergeant" (1958). His television work includes appearances in the popular British series "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who."
Outside of his acting career, Ward was known for his love of literature and had a large personal library. He was also a keen sailor and enjoyed spending time on his boat. Ward passed away in 1978 in London at the age of 76.
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Brian Worth (July 30, 1914 London-August 25, 1978) was a British actor.
He began his career on stage and appeared in numerous productions in London's West End before transitioning to film and television work. Worth gained recognition for his role as Mr. Lawson in the popular British sitcom "Please Sir!" and went on to appear in films such as "Scrooge" and "The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat." In addition to acting, Worth also worked as a voice actor for animated shows and films, including the voice of Tigger in the original Winnie the Pooh movies. He was known for his versatile character portrayals and was regarded as a talented actor by his peers. Worth passed away in 1978 at the age of 64.
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Robert Shaw (August 9, 1927 Westhoughton-August 28, 1978 Toormakeady) also known as Robert Archibald Shaw was a British actor, novelist, screenwriter and teacher. He had ten children, Ian Shaw, Hannah Shaw, Colin Murray Shaw, Elizabeth Shaw, Deborah Shaw, Penny Shaw, Rachel Shaw, Katherine Shaw, Thomas Shaw and Charles Shaw.
Shaw first gained recognition for his portrayal of the character Grant in the film "From Russia with Love" (1963). He went on to appear in a number of other successful films, including "A Man for All Seasons" (1966) and "The Sting" (1973). As a writer, he penned several novels, including "The Hiding Place" (1960) and "The Man in the Glass Booth" (1967), both of which were adapted into successful plays.
In addition to his acting and writing, Shaw was also a dedicated teacher, and even ran his own drama school for a time in Ireland. Despite his many accomplishments, Shaw struggled with alcoholism for much of his life, and died of a heart attack at the relatively young age of 51. He is remembered today as one of Britain's most talented actors and writers, and left behind a legacy of memorable performances and literary works.
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Clifford McLaglen (June 15, 1892 Stepney-September 9, 1978 Huddersfield) also known as Cliff McLaglen or Clifford Henrich McLaglen was a British actor.
He was the younger brother of Academy Award-winning actor Victor McLaglen and followed in his footsteps by pursuing a career in acting. Clifford appeared in over 50 films during his career, including silent films as well as early sound films. He often played supporting roles, often portraying police officers or military figures. He also had a successful stage career, and appeared in several Broadway productions. After retiring from acting in the 1940s, he worked as an acting coach and drama teacher, and published a book on acting techniques. He died in 1978 at the age of 86.
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Basil Dean (September 27, 1888 Croydon-April 22, 1978 Westminster) otherwise known as Basil Herbert Dean or Basil Herbert Dean CBE was a British screenwriter, film director, film producer, writer, actor, theatrical producer and theatre director. He had one child, Winton Dean.
Basil Dean started his career as an actor, appearing in several stage performances in the early 1900s. He later began writing and producing plays, making his directorial debut in the West End in 1922 with the play "Tilly of Bloomsbury". Dean went on to produce and direct a number of successful productions in the 1920s and 1930s, including the hit musical "Mr. Cinders" in 1929.
In 1934, he co-founded Ealing Studios, which became one of the most renowned British film studios of its time. At Ealing, Dean produced some of the most important British films of the 1940s, including "The Next of Kin" (1942), "Went the Day Well?" (1942), and "The Halfway House" (1944). However, he resigned from the studio in 1945, unhappy with the creative direction it was taking.
After leaving Ealing, Dean continued to work in the film industry, directing several notable movies, including "The Years Between" (1946), "The Holly and the Ivy" (1952), and "The Weak and the Wicked" (1954). He also continued to work in the theatre, directing and producing a number of plays throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Dean received numerous awards throughout his career, including a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1957. He passed away in 1978 at the age of 89.
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Richard Dolman (November 30, 1895 London-February 3, 1978 Englefield) was a British actor.
Throughout his career, Dolman appeared in over 30 films and television shows. He began his acting career in the 1920s, appearing in silent films. Dolman was well known for his roles in the films "The Ghost Goes West" (1935) and "The Lady Vanishes" (1938). In addition to acting, he was a playwright and wrote several plays throughout his career. Outside of his work in entertainment, Dolman was a decorated World War I veteran and served in the British Army. Dolman passed away in 1978 at the age of 82.
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Arthur Brough (February 26, 1905 Petersfield-May 28, 1978 Folkestone) also known as Frederick Arthur Baker was a British actor. His child is called Joanna Hutton.
Arthur Brough was best known for his role as Mr. Grainger in the popular British sitcom "Are You Being Served?" which aired from 1972 to 1985. He began his acting career on the stage and appeared in numerous productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Brough also appeared in several films, including "Carry On Sergeant" (1958) and "The L-Shaped Room" (1962). He was a talented character actor and was renowned for his comic timing and ability to deliver lines with perfect deadpan delivery. Brough passed away in 1978 at the age of 73.
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Duncan Lamont (June 17, 1918 Lisbon-December 18, 1978 Royal Tunbridge Wells) otherwise known as Duncan William Ferguson Lamont was a British actor.
He was particularly known for his work as a character actor and appeared in over 80 films and television series. Lamont started his career in the late 1930s, and during World War II, he served in the British Army. After the war, he resumed his acting career and appeared in several popular films, including "The Guns of Navarone" and "Battle of Britain." He was also a regular cast member in the ITV series "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Invisible Man." Lamont also had a successful stage career and appeared in productions in London's West End theatre district. In addition to his work as an actor, he was also a talented jazz musician and played the saxophone in various bands.
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Derrick De Marney (September 21, 1906 London-February 18, 1978 London) also known as Derrick deMarney or Derrick de Marney was a British actor and film producer.
De Marney began his acting career on stage and later transitioned to film in the 1930s. He starred in films such as Hitchcock's "Young and Innocent" (1937) and "Jamaica Inn" (1939), as well as "Fire Over England" (1937) and "The Four Feathers" (1939).
During World War II, De Marney joined the Royal Air Force and served as a pilot. After the war, he formed his own production company, de Marney Productions, and produced and acted in several films, including "The Loves of Joanna Godden" (1947) and "Penny and the Pownall Case" (1948).
De Marney also made numerous television appearances in shows such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Saint". In addition to his acting and producing career, he was also a talented artist and exhibited his work in several galleries.
De Marney died in London in 1978 at the age of 71.
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Keith Moon (August 23, 1946 Wembley-September 7, 1978 Westminster) also known as Moon The Loon, Moon, Keith, Keith John Moon, The Who or Nobby was a British drummer, musician, record producer, songwriter, composer, actor and model. He had one child, Amanda Jane Moon DeWolf.
Keith Moon is best known as the drummer for the influential British rock band, The Who. He was known for his explosive and unconventional drumming style, which often included smashing his drum kit on stage. He was also known for his wild antics off stage, which included destroying hotel rooms and causing chaos at parties.
Moon's career with The Who spanned from 1964 until his death in 1978. He played on all of the band's albums and was a key contributor to their sound and image. In addition to his work with The Who, Moon also played with other musicians and bands, such as Jeff Beck and Steve Stills.
Moon struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life, which likely contributed to his volatile behavior. He died of an overdose of pills at the age of 32. Despite his short life, Moon's impact on rock music has been significant, and he remains a beloved and influential figure in the genre.
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