English movie stars born in 1926
Here are 18 famous actors from England were born in 1926:
Kenneth Williams
Kenneth Williams (February 22, 1926 Islington-April 15, 1988 London Borough of Camden) also known as Kenneth Charles Williams, Casey, Ken or Kenny was an English actor, presenter and comedian.
Williams was best known for his appearances in the Carry On film series, where his comedic timing and unique way of delivering lines made him a fan favorite. He also starred in numerous radio and television shows, including Hancock's Half Hour and Just a Minute. In addition to his work in entertainment, Williams was a talented writer, publishing several books throughout his career. Despite his success, Williams struggled with depression and personal demons, and tragically took his own life at the age of 62. His legacy continues to live on through his iconic performances and contributions to British comedy.
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Christopher Logue
Christopher Logue (November 23, 1926 Portsmouth-December 2, 2011) was an English poet, playwright, novelist, author, writer and actor.
He began his career as a poet with his first book "Waking", which was published in 1953. Logue later became known for his adaptations of Homer's "Iliad", which he reworked into a modern, free-flowing style. His first adaptation, "Kings", was published in 1960, followed by "The Husbands" in 1966 and "War Music" in 1981. Logue's "Iliad" won critical acclaim and in 2005 he was awarded the Whitbread Poetry Award for "Cold Calls: War Music Continued". In addition to his literary work, Logue was also an actor, appearing in films such as "The Devils" and "The Canterbury Tales". He was appointed a CBE for his contributions to literature in 2007.
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Frank Finlay
Frank Finlay (August 6, 1926 Farnworth-) also known as Francis Finlay, Francis Finlay, CBE or Frank Finlay CBE is an English actor. He has three children, Daniel Finlay, Cathy Finlay and Stephen Finlay.
Frank Finlay initially worked as a journalist before pursuing a career in acting. He trained at RADA (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) and began his career in the late 1940s. Finlay became a familiar face on British television in the 1960s, appearing in popular dramas such as "The Avengers" and "The Saint". He also had a successful stage career, and received critical acclaim for his performances in Shakespeare plays such as "Othello" and "King Lear". Finlay is perhaps best known for his role as Iago in the 1965 film version of "Othello", for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He continued to act in film and television throughout his career, and was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1984 for his services to drama. Finlay passed away in January 2016 at the age of 89.
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Bryan Forbes
Bryan Forbes (July 22, 1926 Stratford, London-May 8, 2013 Virginia Water) otherwise known as John Theobald Clarke, Turk Thrust, Brian Forbes or Bryan Forbes CBE was an English film producer, film director, screenwriter, actor, author, entrepreneur and novelist. His children are called Emma Forbes and Sarah Standing.
Forbes started his career as an actor before moving on to writing and producing for television. He then moved into film, working on a number of successful productions such as The League of Gentlemen (1960), The Angry Silence (1960), and King Rat (1965). Forbes was praised for his ability to create films that tackled social issues in a meaningful way, making him a popular figure in British cinema.
Aside from his work in film, Forbes was also a prolific writer, publishing a number of novels and memoirs that were well-received. He was known for his wit and humor, often injecting these elements into his writing and film work.
Forbes was awarded a CBE in 2004 for his services to the arts, and he remained an influential figure in British film until his passing in 2013, aged 86.
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Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis (December 17, 1926 London-) also known as Stephen Cato is an English actor.
He has had a distinguished career on stage, screen, and television. Lewis is best known for his roles in the British sitcoms "On the Buses" and "Last of the Summer Wine". He began his acting career in the 1950s with stage productions in London's West End. Lewis later branched out into television and film, appearing in notable productions such as "Z-Cars" and "The Avengers". Despite retiring from acting in the mid-1990s, Lewis remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and an inspiration to many aspiring actors.
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Bryan Johnson
Bryan Johnson (July 18, 1926 United Kingdom-October 18, 1995) was an English singer and actor.
He was best known for his work in musical theatre, including his roles in West End productions of "Oliver!" and "The Sound of Music." Johnson also had a successful recording career in the 1950s and 60s, with hits such as "A Touch of the Blues" and "Looking High, High, High." In addition to his musical work, Johnson also appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Avengers" and "The Sweeney." After his death in 1995, a memorial plaque was erected in his honor at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham.
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David Frankham
David Frankham (February 16, 1926 Gillingham-) otherwise known as Dave Frankham or David Frankman is an English actor.
He began his career as a stage actor in his teens before transitioning to film and television. He appeared in several popular TV shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "The Outer Limits," and "Batman," in addition to working on films such as "Master of the World" and "Return of the Fly." Frankham also lent his voice to several animated shows, including "The Flintstones" and "Fantastic Four." In addition to his acting work, Frankham is also a writer and has published several books on acting and voice-over techniques. He continues to be active in the industry and occasionally makes appearances at sci-fi conventions.
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Patrick Wymark
Patrick Wymark (July 11, 1926 Cleethorpes-October 20, 1970 Melbourne) also known as Patrick Cheeseman or Patrick Carl Cheeseman was an English actor. His children are called Jane Wymark, Rowan Wymark, Dominic Wymark and Tristram Wymark.
Patrick Wymark began his acting career on stage, where he garnered critical acclaim for his work in productions such as "A View from the Bridge" and "The Changeling." He eventually transitioned to film and television, where he became known for his roles in popular productions such as "The Power Game," "Where Eagles Dare," and "The Skull."
Despite his success, Wymark struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his untimely death at the age of 44. He passed away in Melbourne, Australia, where he had been set to appear in a play. However, despite his struggles, he remains remembered as a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
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Colin Bean
Colin Bean (April 15, 1926 Wigan-June 20, 2009 Wigan) was an English actor and author.
Bean was best known for his role as Private Sponge in the popular British sitcom "Dad's Army". He appeared in 50 episodes of the show between 1968 and 1977. Outside of his acting career, Bean was also an author and wrote several books, including an autobiography entitled "I Didn't Get Where I Am Today" which was published in 2001. He remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 2009 at the age of 83.
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Harold Kasket
Harold Kasket (July 26, 1926 London-January 20, 2002 London) a.k.a. Harold Kaskett or Harold Gasket was an English actor.
He began his career in the 1940s and appeared in over 100 films, including the Bond film "From Russia with Love" and the classic horror film "The Horrors of the Black Museum". Kasket was also a regular face on British television, with appearances in shows such as "The Saint" and "Dixon of Dock Green". Aside from his acting career, Kasket was also a talented sculptor and his work has been displayed in galleries around the world. He was married to actress Gwen Cherrell until her death in 1988. Kasket passed away in 2002, aged 75.
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Barrie Gosney
Barrie Gosney (November 20, 1926 Guildford-January 24, 2008 London) otherwise known as Barrie Cosney or Barry Gosney was an English actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous British television series and films throughout his career. Some of his most notable roles include appearances in "The Avengers," "The Saint," and "Doctor Who." Gosney was also a stage actor, appearing in productions both in the West End and on Broadway. In addition to his work as an actor, Gosney was also a talented scriptwriter, penning scripts for several television series in the 1960s and 70s. Later in his career, he also worked as a voice-over artist for various television and radio commercials. Gosney passed away in January 2008 at the age of 81.
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Ernie Bourne
Ernie Bourne (August 1, 1926 Dorset-January 21, 2009 Prahran) also known as Ernest Alfred Bourne or Ernest Alfred "Ernie" Bourne was an English actor. He had one child, Sally Bourne.
Ernie Bourne began his career on stage as a child actor, and he later went on to have a successful career in film, television, and radio. He appeared in numerous popular TV series such as Doctor Who, The Avengers, and Z-Cars, as well as films like Darling and The Blue Max. Bourne was also a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to several animated shows, including Danger Mouse and The Wind in the Willows. In addition to his acting work, Bourne was also involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his life.
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Willoughby Goddard
Willoughby Goddard (July 4, 1926 Bicester-April 11, 2008 London) a.k.a. Willoughby Wittenham Rees Goddard was an English actor.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and his acting career spanned over five decades. Goddard appeared in various stage productions, television shows, and films.
He is best known for his role as the villainous Chairman in the British TV series "The Prisoner" and as Professor John Galloway in the film "The Sea Wolves." Goddard also had recurring roles in several other TV shows and appeared in various films such as "The Mouse on the Moon" and "Charlie Bubbles."
Aside from acting, Goddard was also a talented writer, and he penned numerous plays that were produced in both London and New York. He was also an accomplished painter and sculptor and exhibited his artwork in many galleries.
In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Goddard was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1980. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 81.
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Peter Reynolds
Peter Reynolds (August 16, 1926 Wilmslow-April 22, 1975 Sydney) also known as Peter Horrocks was an English actor.
He appeared in several stage productions and films throughout his career, including the popular British television series "The Avengers" and the film "Jason and the Argonauts". Reynolds was also a talented screenwriter and wrote several scripts for British television shows in the 1960s. He moved to Australia in the early 1970s and continued acting in various productions until his sudden death in 1975, at the age of 48.
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Richard Pasco
Richard Pasco (July 18, 1926 Barnes, London-November 12, 2014) also known as Richard Edward Pasco, Richard Pascoe or Richard Edward Pasco, CBE was an English actor. He had one child, William Pasco.
Pasco trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and started his career on stage with the Old Vic theatre company. He later went on to perform in various productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company, including the lead role in "Hamlet". Pasco also appeared in many television shows and films such as "Doctor Who", "Tess", and "A Christmas Carol". He was awarded the CBE in 1977 for his services to drama. In addition to his acting career, Pasco was also an author and wrote several books on the subject of acting and theatre. He passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional performances on stage and screen.
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George Melly
George Melly (August 17, 1926 Liverpool-July 5, 2007 London) a.k.a. Melly, George, Alan George Heywood Melly or Good Time George was an English singer, writer, critic, actor and teacher.
He was known for his flamboyant and extroverted personality, as well as his unique style that combined jazz and surrealism. Melly was often considered to be one of the pioneers of British jazz, and was a frequent performer at various jazz festivals across the country.
Aside from his music career, Melly was also an accomplished writer and critic. He wrote numerous books and articles about art and culture, and was a regular contributor to several newspapers and journals. Melly also acted in several films and TV shows, including the hit British comedy series, "The Comic Strip Presents."
Later in life, Melly turned his attention to teaching, and was a visiting lecturer at several universities in the UK and abroad. He also received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Sussex. George Melly passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire musicians and artists around the world.
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Keith Smith
Keith Smith (February 26, 1926 Liverpool-) is an English actor.
He began his career in 1947, performing in various stage productions across England. Smith is best known for his roles in the films "Doctor in Distress" (1963), "Twisted Nerve" (1968), and "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" (1971). He has also made numerous appearances on British television, including in popular shows like "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". In addition to his acting career, Smith is a talented musician, playing both the piano and the clarinet. He has released several albums of jazz music and has even performed at the famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. Despite being in his nineties, Keith Smith continues to act and perform to this day.
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David Jacobs
David Jacobs (May 19, 1926 London-September 2, 2013 England) otherwise known as David Lewis Jacobs was an English radio personality, actor and voice actor. His children are called Emma Jacobs and Penny Clarke.
David Jacobs started his career in radio as a newsreader at the BBC in the 1940s, before becoming a popular radio disc jockey in the 1950s and 60s. He was also a television presenter, hosting popular shows like Juke Box Jury and The David Jacobs Collection.
Aside from broadcasting, Jacobs was also an accomplished actor, appearing in several films including The Blue Lamp (1950) and Two-Way Stretch (1960). He was also a voice actor, famously providing the voice for the character of Narrator in the children's TV show The Wombles.
Jacobs was known for his distinctive voice and his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music. He was highly respected in the industry and received several awards for his contribution to broadcasting, including an OBE in 1981.
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