Here are 18 famous actors from England were born in 1942:
John Thaw (January 3, 1942 Longsight-February 21, 2002 Luckington) a.k.a. John Edward Thaw, John Edward Thaw, CBE or John Thaw CBE was an English actor and television producer. He had three children, Abigail Thaw, Joanna Thaw and Melanie Thaw.
He became famous for his role as Inspector Morse in the British television series "Inspector Morse," which ran from 1987 to 2000. Thaw received numerous awards for his performance in the series, including two British Academy Television Awards for Best Actor. He also starred in other successful television shows such as "The Sweeney" and "Kavanagh QC," and appeared in films such as "The Good Companions" and "Cry Freedom." Thaw was interested in acting from a young age and attended drama school before beginning his career in theatre. In addition to his acting work, he also founded his own production company, Zenith Productions, and produced several television series, including "A Year in Provence" and "The Glass." Thaw was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and passed away the following year at the age of 60.
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Robin Ellis (January 8, 1942 Ipswich-) also known as Anthony Robin Ellis is an English actor.
He is best known for his role as Captain Ross Poldark in the original BBC series Poldark, which aired in the 1970s. Ellis has also appeared in other TV shows such as The Good Soldier and Elizabeth R. In addition to his acting career, Ellis is a cookbook author and a trained chef. He has published several books on healthy eating and Mediterranean cuisine, including "Healthy Eating for Life" and "Delicious Dishes for Diabetics". In recent years, he has returned to acting, making appearances in the new series of Poldark and other TV shows such as The White Princess. Ellis is married to actress Meredith Wheeler and they have one son together.
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Mike Berry (September 24, 1942 Northampton-) otherwise known as Michael Hubert Bourne, Michael Bourne or Berry, Mike is an English singer and actor.
Berry started his career in music in the late 1950s as the lead vocalist of The Outlaws, a rock and roll band. He later pursued a solo career and released several hit singles including "Tribute to Buddy Holly," "Don't You Think It's Time" and "The Sunshine of Your Smile."
In addition to his music career, Berry has also appeared in several films and TV shows. He played the role of Jedd in the 1970 film "Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall" and portrayed Bert Spooner in the TV series "Are You Being Served?"
Berry continues to perform today and has been involved in numerous tribute concerts and events honoring the rock and roll era.
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Denis Lill (April 22, 1942 Hamilton-) also known as Dennis Lill or Mr. Denis Lill is an English actor.
He is best known for his roles in popular TV shows such as "The Onedin Line," "Only Fools and Horses," and "The Royal". Lill began his acting career in the 1960s, and has since appeared in numerous plays, TV shows and films. In addition to his work in front of the camera, he has also lent his voice to various radio dramas and audiobooks. Lill has received critical acclaim for his performances on stage and screen, and was awarded an MBE for his services to drama in 2017. He continues to work on new projects and is considered one of England's most respected character actors.
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Geoffrey Davies (December 15, 1942 Leeds-) is an English actor and artist. He has one child, Emma Davies.
Geoffrey Davies began his acting career in the 1960s and is perhaps best known for his role as the lovable, bumbling veterinary student Tristan Farnon in the long-running BBC television series "All Creatures Great and Small". He appeared in over 50 episodes of the show between 1978 and 1990.
Davies studied art and ceramics at various institutions, including Leeds Art College and the Royal College of Art in London. He has exhibited his work in galleries across the UK and has also worked as a teacher of pottery and ceramics.
In addition to his acting and artistic pursuits, Davies is an accomplished horseman and has competed in equestrian events. He also runs a smallholding in Wales where he breeds Welsh Mountain ponies.
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John Challis (August 16, 1942 Bristol-) is an English presenter, animator and actor.
He is best known for his role as Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce in the much-loved BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, as well as its spin-off show The Green Green Grass. Challis has also appeared in several other television series, including Doctor Who, Coronation Street, and Benidorm. In addition to his television work, Challis has also worked as a writer, producing several books on his experiences in showbiz and his travels. In 2021, he released his debut album, titled "It's Rock'n'Roll". Beyond his work in entertainment, Challis is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and has been involved with various animal charities throughout his life.
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John D. Collins (December 2, 1942 London-) also known as John Collins, John Christopher Dixon or John D Collins is an English actor.
He is best known for his role as DCI Bill Otley in the British television series "The Bill" from 1984 to 2000. Collins began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various British TV shows and films. He also had roles in international productions such as the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever" and the American TV series "The A-Team". In addition to acting, Collins is also a playwright and has written several plays including "Hotel Paradiso" and "Buster". He was married to actress Nadim Sawalha from 1991 to 2000 and they have two children together.
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Michael Crawford (January 19, 1942 Salisbury-) also known as Michael Patrick Dumbell Smith, Michael Crawford OBE, Michael Patrick Dumbell-Smith, Dame Edith Shorthouse, Micheal Crawford, Crawford, Micheal or MC is an English singer, actor, comedian and screenwriter. His children are called Emma Crawford and Lucy Crawford.
Crawford began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in various stage productions such as "The Knack" and "Billy Liar". He gained widespread recognition for his role as the bumbling but lovable character Frank Spencer in the hit British sitcom "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em", which ran from 1973 to 1978. Crawford also starred in the original West End production of the musical "Barnum" in 1981, for which he received critical acclaim and won an Olivier Award.
In addition to his acting career, Crawford has also released several albums and has had a successful career as a singer. He is particularly known for his interpretation of the song "The Music of the Night" from the musical "The Phantom of the Opera", which he originated in the original West End production in 1986. Crawford's recording of the song reached the top ten in several countries, including the UK and the US.
Throughout his career, Crawford has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts. In 1987, he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama, and in 1995, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol. Crawford continues to work in the entertainment industry and is regarded as one of the most talented and versatile performers of his generation.
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Arthur Brown (June 24, 1942 Whitby-) also known as Brown, Arthur, Arthur Wilton Brown or The Crazy World of Arthur Brown is an English singer, musician and actor.
He is known for his theatrical and flamboyant performances, as well as his unique vocal style that blends rock, blues, and psychedelic influences. Brown first gained attention in the late 1960s with his band The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and their hit song "Fire," which became a signature of his live performances.
After the band disbanded, Brown continued to release solo albums and collaborate with other musicians. He also pursued acting, appearing in films such as Tommy and The Who's rock opera and The Devil’s Chair. Despite numerous health issues throughout his career, Brown continues to perform and tour.
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Alvin Stardust (September 27, 1942 Muswell Hill-October 23, 2014 Ifold) also known as Stardust, Alvin, Shane Fenton or Shane Fenton and the Fentones was an English singer and actor. His children are called Adam F, Shaun Fenton, Sophie Jewry and Millie Margaret May.
Stardust started his music career in the 1960s as the lead vocalist for the band Shane Fenton and the Fentones. The band had several hits in the UK, including "Cindy's Birthday" and "I'm a Moody Guy". After the death of Shane Fenton (real name Johnny Theakstone), Alvin took on his stage name and continued to perform and record as a solo artist.
In the 1970s, Stardust had a string of hit songs, including "My Coo Ca Choo", "Jealous Mind", and "Red Dress". He appeared on television shows such as Top of the Pops and became known for his trademark black leather jumpsuits and gloves.
In addition to his music career, Stardust also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the musical comedy film "Never Too Young to Rock" and the BBC drama "Hollyoaks". He also appeared in several stage productions, including the UK touring production of the musical "Godspell".
Stardust continued to perform and record music throughout his career, and released his final album, "Alvin", in 2014, just a few weeks before his death from prostate cancer. He is remembered as a beloved performer and one of the defining figures of the Glam Rock era.
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Chubby Oates (December 23, 1942-November 10, 2006) also known as Arthur Oates was an English actor.
He began his acting career on stage and later transitioned to film and television. Oates became a recognizable face in the industry, known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters. He appeared in numerous films, including "Kes" (1969) and "Quadrophenia" (1979), as well as popular television shows such as "Doctor Who" and "Coronation Street". Oates was also a committed political activist, often using his platform to advocate for social justice and progressive causes. He continued acting until his death in 2006 at the age of 63.
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Norman J. Warren (June 25, 1942 London-) otherwise known as Norman Warren, Norman.J.Warren or Norman John Warren is an English film director, screenwriter, cinematographer, film editor and actor.
He is best known for his work in the horror genre during the 1970s and 1980s, including films such as Satan's Slave, Terror, and Bloody New Year. Warren began his film career in the early 1960s, working as a runner on The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night. He later worked on various other films in different capacities before finding success as a director with his debut feature film, Her Private Hell, in 1968. Warren continued to work in the film industry throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and in 2009 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Festival of Fantastic Films in Manchester, England.
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Andy Devine (February 28, 1942 England-) is an English actor.
He is best known for his roles in popular TV shows and films such as "Robin Hood," "Wizards and Warriors," and "The 13th Warrior." Devine's career started in the 1960s, where he landed his first TV role in the series "Emergency Ward 10." He went on to appear in several British TV shows and films in the following years.
Devine's most significant break came when he landed the role of Friar Tuck in the 1984 TV series "Robin of Sherwood." His portrayal of the lovable, humorous character garnered him widespread recognition, and his role in the series is still remembered fondly by fans today.
Outside of acting, Devine is also a writer and has published several books on various subjects, including travel, history, and nature. He is an avid traveler and has visited many countries throughout his life. His passion for nature and wildlife has also led him to support various conservation efforts over the years.
Devine is also known for his distinctive voice, which has been featured in several documentaries and TV commercials throughout his career. He currently resides in England and continues to work as an actor today, though he has slowed down his output in recent years.
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Paul McCartney (June 18, 1942 Walton, Liverpool-) also known as James Paul McCartney, Sir James Paul McCartney, Solo career of Paul McCartney, Thrillington, Percy 'Thrills', Macca, Sir Paul McCartney, Bernard Webb, Paul, Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Percy \"Thrills\" Thrillington, Percy Thrillington, The Beatles, Wings or Paul McCartney's musical career is an English singer, singer-songwriter, musician, artist, drummer, guitarist, keyboard player, pianist, social activist, poet, entrepreneur, record producer, composer, film producer, businessperson, peace activist, bassist, songwriter, film score composer, multi-instrumentalist, television producer, screenwriter, television director, actor and music artist. His children are called Mary McCartney, Stella McCartney, James McCartney, Beatrice McCartney and Heather McCartney.
Paul McCartney is one of the most successful musicians in history, having sold over 100 million singles and over 75 million albums worldwide. He rose to fame as one of the founding members of the Beatles, one of the most influential and successful bands in history. As a member of the Beatles, McCartney contributed to some of the band's most iconic songs, such as "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Yesterday."
After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney launched a successful solo career, releasing hit singles like "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Live and Let Die." He formed the band Wings in 1971, which became one of the most successful touring acts of the 1970s. Over the years, McCartney has won numerous awards and accolades for his music, including 18 Grammy Awards.
In addition to his music career, McCartney is also known for his activism and philanthropy work. He is a vegetarian and a supporter of animal rights, and has advocated for a variety of social and environmental causes. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his contributions to music.
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Matthew Walker (April 11, 1942 England-) otherwise known as Mathew Walker or Matt Walker is an English actor.
He is best known for his role in the popular British television series "EastEnders" where he portrayed the character of Joe Macer for over 2 years. Walker's acting career began in the 1960s and he has appeared in several popular television series and films including "Doctor Who," "The Sweeney," "The Bill," and "Coronation Street." He has also made appearances on stage, and has worked as a voice actor in various radio dramas. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Walker has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and has worked with several charities to promote this cause.
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David Parry (June 18, 1942 England-June 13, 1995) also known as David Thomas Parry was an English actor. He had two children, Evalyn Parry and Richard Parry.
David Parry began his acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s, where he played various roles in Shakespearean plays such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Winter's Tale". He later transitioned to television and film, appearing in popular shows like "Doctor Who" and "The Bill".
In addition to his acting work, Parry was also a noted voice actor, lending his voice to numerous characters in famous radio dramas such as "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". His distinct voice was also frequently used in commercials and as a narrator for documentaries.
Unfortunately, Parry passed away from cancer just five days before his 53rd birthday. Despite his relatively short life, he left behind a lasting legacy in the acting and voice acting industries, with many of his performances still remembered and celebrated to this day.
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George Bruno Money (July 17, 1942 Bournemouth-) otherwise known as Zoot Money, Money, Zoot, G.B. Money, G.B, Money, Zoot Money's Big Roll Band, The Big Roll Band, G. B. [Zoot] Money, G.B [Zoot] Money, G.B. [Zoot] Money or G.B. Zoot Money is an English musician, actor, keyboard player, singer and character actor.
He started playing music in the early 1960s and became a prominent figure in the British blues scene, playing with bands such as the Animals and the Spencer Davis Group. Zoot Money's Big Roll Band, which he formed in 1961, became one of the most popular acts on the London club circuit.
In addition to his successful music career, Money also had an acting career, appearing in films such as "The Italian Job" (1969) and "Smashing Time" (1967). He also had a recurring role on the BBC sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous" in the 1990s.
Money continues to perform, both as a solo artist and with his band, in the UK and around the world. He has released numerous albums throughout his career, showcasing his unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz.
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Chris Harris (December 14, 1942 Bridgwater-April 30, 2014 Portishead) was an English actor.
He was best known for his work on British television, particularly in the dramas "The Sweeney" and "Z Cars". Harris was also a distinguished stage actor, appearing in productions of Shakespeare plays in London's West End.
In addition to his acting career, Harris was an accomplished writer and director. He wrote several plays and television scripts, and directed productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Throughout his career, Harris was known for his dedication to his craft and his warm, generous personality. He was widely respected by his colleagues and fans, and his contributions to British culture continue to be celebrated today.
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