Here are 20 famous actors from England died at 78:
J. G. Ballard (November 15, 1930 Shanghai International Settlement-April 19, 2009 London) a.k.a. James Graham Ballard, J.G. Ballard, James G Ballard or James Graham "J. G." Ballard was an English writer, novelist, author, essayist and actor. His children are Bea Ballard, James Ballard and Fay Ballard.
He died as a result of prostate cancer.
Ballard is best known for his science fiction novels, such as "The Drowned World," "Crash," and "Empire of the Sun," which was loosely based on his own experiences as a child interned in a Japanese prison camp during World War II. His work often explores themes of modernity, technology, and the human psyche. In addition to his writing, Ballard was also a prominent advocate for environmentalism and a critic of consumer culture. He was awarded the J. G. Ballard Award in 2009 for his contributions to literature and the arts.
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Buster Merryfield (November 27, 1920 Battersea-June 23, 1999 Poole) was an English actor and military officer. His child is called Karen Merryfield.
He died caused by brain tumor.
Buster Merryfield was best known for his role as Uncle Albert in the long-running British sitcom "Only Fools and Horses". Prior to his acting career, he served in World War II and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services. After the war, he worked in a variety of jobs before turning to full-time acting in his 50s. In addition to "Only Fools and Horses", Merryfield had roles in other popular TV shows such as "Coronation Street" and "The Bill". He was also a talented musician and played jazz trumpet in his free time. Despite his success as an actor, Merryfield remained humble and lived a simple life in a remote village in Dorset, England.
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Thorley Walters (May 12, 1913 Teigngrace-July 6, 1991 London) otherwise known as Thorley Waters was an English actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s on the stage and made his film debut in 1948. Walters appeared in over 100 films and television series throughout his career, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1955-1959), "The Evil of Frankenstein" (1964), "The Ghost Goes Gear" (1966), and "The Prisoner" (1967). He was often cast as upper-class gentlemen and authority figures due to his refined accent and demeanor. In addition to acting, Walters was a skilled artist and had several exhibitions of his work. He passed away at the age of 78 from heart failure.
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Seymour Hicks (January 30, 1871 Saint Helier-April 6, 1949 Hampshire) also known as Sir Arthur Seymour Hicks, Edward Seymour Hicks, Sir Seymour Hicks or Sir Edward Seymour Hicks was an English singer, actor, playwright, screenwriter, theatre manager and film producer. He had one child, Betty Hicks.
Hicks began his career in the theatre during the late 1800s and went on to star in a number of successful productions, including "The Catch of the Season" and "Mr. Wu". He also wrote several plays, including "The Shop Girl" and "A Country Girl", which were popular in their time. In addition to his work in the theatre, Hicks appeared in several films during the early 1900s, and he later went on to produce and direct films as well.
During World War I, Hicks worked as an entertainer for British troops in France, and he was later knighted for his contributions to the war effort. He continued to work in the theatre throughout his career, and in the 1930s he began touring with his wife, actress Ellaline Terriss, in a vaudeville act that was very successful.
Hicks was also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Actors' Orphanage Fund and the Entertainments National Service Association. He died in 1949 at the age of 78.
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Eric Barker (February 12, 1912 Thornton Heath-June 1, 1990 Faversham) also known as Eric Leslie Barker was an English actor and writer. He had one child, Petronella Barker.
Eric Barker began his career on stage, performing in several West End productions. He then transitioned to radio and television, becoming a regular on the BBC Radio comedy show "The Goon Show" and later the TV sketch show "The Eric Barker Half Hour." He also appeared in several films, including the 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice." In addition to his acting work, Barker was also a writer, penning several television scripts and publishing a memoir titled "Take It from Barker" in 1979. He passed away in 1990 at the age of 78.
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Charles B. Cochran (September 25, 1872 Sussex-January 31, 1951) a.k.a. Charles Blake Cochran was an English theatrical producer and actor.
He began his career as an actor, but eventually found his calling as a producer. Cochran's productions were known for their extravagance, combining cutting-edge technology with opulent sets and costumes. He worked with some of the biggest stars of the day, including Noel Coward, Gertrude Lawrence, and Beatrice Lillie. Cochran was also known for his ability to spot and nurture new talent - he gave Harold Pinter his first break as a playwright, and helped launch the careers of many others. In addition to his work in the theatre, Cochran also produced several successful films. He was knighted in 1948 for his services to the arts.
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Sebastian Smith (October 3, 1869 Southwell-January 15, 1948) also known as J. Sebastian Smith was an English actor.
Smith had a career that spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in a number of stage productions, films and television shows. He began his acting career in the late 19th century, performing in various theatres across London before making his screen debut in 1912.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Smith appeared in a number of popular films, including "The Phantom Fiend" (1932) and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931). He was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from serious dramas to light comedies.
In addition to his work on screen, Smith continued to perform on the stage throughout his career. He played a number of notable roles in productions such as "The School for Scandal" and "The Importance of Being Earnest".
Smith passed away in 1948 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as one of the great character actors of his time.
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George Bellamy (July 10, 1866 Bristol-December 26, 1944 London) was an English actor.
He was best known for his work on the stage, where he appeared in numerous productions in both London and New York. Bellamy began his career as a teenager, performing in small theaters in Bristol before making his way to London. He eventually landed a role in the West End production of The Profligate, which helped to launch his career.
Over the course of his career, Bellamy appeared in a wide range of plays, including romantic comedies, dramas, and musicals. He was also a popular performer on the vaudeville circuit, where he was known for his singing and dancing skills.
In addition to his work on the stage, Bellamy made a number of film appearances in the 1910s and 1920s. He was known for his dashing looks and charming on-screen persona, which made him a fan favorite.
Bellamy was married twice, first to actress and singer Irene Vanbrugh and later to actress Edna Best. He had four children, including actress and singer Patricia Burke.
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Robert Bolder (July 20, 1859 London-December 10, 1937 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Bobby Bolder, Bobby Boulder, Robert Boulder, Bobbie Bolder or Robert Joseph Edney was an English actor.
He began his career on the stage in London, performing in productions such as "The Pit" and "The School for Scandal." Bolder then moved to the United States in the late 1800s, where he continued to act on stage, and also began appearing in films in the early 1900s.
Bolder appeared in over 100 films across his career, often playing supporting or character actor roles. Some of his most notable films include "Choice of Arms," "The Hound of the Baskervilles," and "Captain Blood." He continued acting until his death in 1937 at the age of 78 in Beverly Hills, California.
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Kynaston Reeves (May 29, 1893 Hammersmith-December 5, 1971 Lewisham) a.k.a. Philip Arthur Reeves, P. Kynaston Reeves or Philip Kynaston Reeves was an English actor.
He died in cerebral thrombosis.
Kynaston Reeves was known for his distinctive voice and his performances in both stage and screen. He began his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in numerous productions throughout his life. Some of his notable film credits include "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940), "The Third Man" (1949), and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952). Reeves also performed in a number of television productions, including adaptations of Shakespeare's plays.
Aside from acting, Reeves was a keen collector of antique pipes and was known to enjoy spending his free time restoring them. He was also a prolific writer and published a number of books and articles on the history of theatre and performance. Reeves was highly respected in the acting community and was known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
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Dirk Bogarde (March 28, 1921 West Hampstead-May 8, 1999 Chelsea) a.k.a. Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Niven van den Bogarde, Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Niven van den Bogaer, Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Niven van den Bogaerde, Sir Dirk Bogarde, The British Rock Hudson, The Idol of the Odeon, Derek van den Bogaerde, Derek Bogaerde, Pippin or Pip was an English novelist, actor, screenwriter and writer.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Dirk Bogarde began his acting career in theater and later transitioned to film, becoming one of the most popular British matinee idols in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in numerous films such as "The Blue Lamp," "Doctor in the House," and "Darling." In the 1960s, he began to take on more challenging roles and worked with acclaimed directors such as Joseph Losey and Luchino Visconti in "The Servant" and "Death in Venice" respectively.
Later in his career, Bogarde shifted his focus to writing and publishing a series of critically acclaimed autobiographical novels, including "A Postillion Struck by Lightning" and "A Period of Adjustment." He was also a prominent gay rights activist and supported numerous organizations that fought against HIV/AIDS. Bogarde received several honors throughout his lifetime, including a CBE in 1990 and a knighthood in 1992 for his contributions to the arts.
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Wallas Eaton (February 18, 1917 Leicester-November 3, 1995 Australia) also known as Wallace Eaton or Wallis Eaton was an English actor.
Eaton began his acting career in 1937 in the stage production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". He went on to appear in several other stage productions before transitioning to film and television in the 1940s. Some of his notable film credits include "The Man in the White Suit" (1951), "The Million Pound Note" (1954), and "Alfie" (1966).
In addition to his acting career, Eaton was also a talented cricket player and played for the Leicestershire Second XI. He also served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Eaton eventually moved to Australia in the early 1970s, where he continued to act in various film and television projects until his death in 1995.
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Michael Martin Harvey (April 18, 1897 London-June 30, 1975 Great Bircham) also known as Jack Seaforth Elton Martin-Harvey, M. Martin Harvey, Martin Harvey, Michael-Martin Harvey, Michael Martin-Harvey or Michel Martin-Harvey was an English actor.
Harvey was born in London and began studying drama at an early age. He made his stage debut at the age of 19 and quickly became a well-known actor in British theatre. He appeared in a number of successful productions, including the original West End run of Noël Coward's "Private Lives".
In addition to his work on stage, Harvey also appeared in several films, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Blackmail" (1929). He was also known for his work as a director and producer, and was a prominent member of the British theatre community for many years.
During World War II, Harvey served as an officer in the British Army and was involved in entertainment for the troops. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his service.
Harvey continued to act on stage and screen throughout his life, and was known for his commanding stage presence and dramatic voice. He died in 1975 at the age of 78.
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Ralph Reader (May 25, 1903 Crewkerne-May 18, 1982 London) a.k.a. Ralph Reader's Gang Show or William Henry Ralph Reader was an English actor, theatrical producer and songwriter.
He is best known for his creation and direction of the Gang Shows, a variety revue performed by members of the Scouting movement. He was also a prolific songwriter, having composed many of the songs for the Gang Shows, including the well-known "Crest of a Wave" and "Tipperary". In addition to his work with the Scouts, Reader had a successful career in the West End, appearing in and producing numerous stage productions. He was awarded the OBE in 1956 for his services to the theatre and scouting. Reader's legacy lives on today, with Gang Shows still being performed around the world in his honour.
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Henry Wenman (September 7, 1875 Leeds-November 6, 1953) was an English actor.
He began his career in the early 1900s and appeared in over 70 films, including several silent movies. He was known for his ability to portray a wide range of characters and his performances were praised for their realism and depth. In addition to his work in films, Wenman also appeared on stage and in radio productions. He was highly regarded by his peers and was considered a mentor to many young actors. Outside of his acting career, Wenman was also an accomplished boxer and was known for his athleticism and strength. Despite his success in both the entertainment industry and athletics, Wenman remained humble and focused on his craft until his death in 1953.
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Allan Jeayes (January 19, 1885 London-September 20, 1963 London) also known as Alan Jeayes was an English actor.
He began his acting career on stage in the early 1900s and later appeared in over 70 films, including "The 39 Steps" (1935), "The Four Feathers" (1939), and "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940). Jeayes was also known for his radio work, starring in the BBC radio drama "Paul Temple" in the 1940s. He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1953 for his contributions to the arts. Jeayes continued to act in films and on stage into his late 70s.
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Micheál Mac Liammóir (October 25, 1899 London-March 6, 1978 Dublin) otherwise known as Micheal MacLiammoir, Micheál Liammóir, Alfred Willmore or Micheál MacLiammóir was an English writer and actor.
Mac Liammóir was born as Alfred Willmore in London to a Protestant family. He initially pursued a career in painting and even co-founded an avant-garde group called "The Gate Theatre Studio". However, his true passion lied in acting and he eventually went on to become one of Ireland's most celebrated stage actors. He was a prominent member of the Abbey Theatre, where he performed in over 300 productions, and was also a co-founder of the Gate Theatre in Dublin. Mac Liammóir was also a prolific writer, penning several plays, novels, and autobiographical works. He even co-wrote the screenplay for the classic film "Orson Welles' Othello" with Welles himself. Mac Liammóir was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was illegal in Ireland and his life and work were greatly influenced by his sexuality. He died in Dublin in 1978, leaving behind a legacy as one of Ireland's most important cultural figures.
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Donal Donnelly (July 6, 1931 Bradford-January 4, 2010 Chicago) a.k.a. Donal Donelly or Donald Donnelly was an English actor. He had three children, Jonathan Donnelly, Damian Donnelly and Maryanne Donnelly.
Donal Donnelly was known for his work in both stage and film. He started his career in the 1950s with the Royal Shakespeare Company and later performed on Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in "The Incomparable Max" in 1971. Some of his notable film roles include "The Godfather Part II," "The Dead," and "The Knack... and How to Get It." Donnelly was also a writer and director, and his play "Conversations in Connemara" was produced off-Broadway in 2004.
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Alexander Doré (August 28, 1923 Hampstead-April 16, 2002 England) was an English screenwriter, actor and television director. He had one child, Michael S. Dore.
Doré was best known for his contributions to the British television industry. He started his career as an actor before transitioning to writing and directing. He wrote scripts for many popular TV shows, including "The Saint" and "The Avengers". In the 1970s, he directed popular dramas such as "The Onedin Line" and "Survivors".
Doré was also an accomplished theatre director, having directed numerous productions in London's West End and on Broadway. His work in the theatre world earned him a prestigious Tony Award nomination in 1961 for his direction of the play "Rattle of a Simple Man".
Beyond his contributions to the entertainment industry, Doré was a skilled horticulturist and passionate about gardening. He designed and cultivated beautiful gardens at his home in England, which were often open to the public for viewing.
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Basil Gill (March 10, 1877 Birkenhead-April 23, 1955 Hove) was an English actor.
He had a prolific career in both stage and film acting, appearing in over 60 films throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Gill was known for his versatility in playing a wide range of supporting roles, ranging from comedic to dramatic. He worked with notable directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Frank Capra, and was regarded as one of the most reliable character actors of his time. Gill died in 1955 at the age of 78.
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