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Tony Award-winning English actor Michael Gough, best known for playing the butler Alfred Pennyworth in the first four Batman (1989, 1992, 1995 & 1997) movies and for playing the arch-criminal Dr. Clement Armstrong in The Avengers (1961) episode "The Cybernauts", was an accomplished performer on both stage and screen. He was nominated twice for Tony Awards, in 1979 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Alan Ayckbourn's "Bedroom Farce" and in 1988 in the same category for Hugh Whitemore's "Breaking the Code", winning in 1979. Though he never achieved on the small screen and silver screen what he did in the theater, Gough's career in television and movies spanned sixty-plus years over eight decades. Michael Gough died at age 94 on March 17, 2011 at his home near Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

He was the working class boy from Manchester whose intensity and natural honesty made him British television's most bankable actor. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His first starring role on TV was as Sgt John Mann in Redcap (1964). His first great success, though, was as Detective Inspector Regan in The Sweeney (1975). Violent and uncompromising, the series changed the portrayal of police work on British television and was one of the defining dramas of the 1970s.

For Inspector Morse (1987), Thaw was yet again cast as a policeman, but this time a more cultured character than Regan. The leisurely-paced series, set in beautiful Oxfordshire, was Thaw's most popular and long-running project. It established him as British television's most bankable actor, and during the 1990s he had many other starring vehicles. He was also a favourite of film director Richard Attenborough, who cast him in Cry Freedom (1987) and Chaplin (1992).

John Thaw was a quiet, private man. His marriage to actress Sheila Hancock was generally regarded as one of the strongest in showbusiness. When he died at the age of 60, the BBC website was inundated with tributes from the viewing public. His "Inspector Morse" co-star Kevin Whately simply described him as the country's finest screen actor.

George was stage struck at the age of 14 and ran away from school to get a 25 shilling (25p) a week job at a seaside theatre, He spent 6 years going through the mill of small town repertory theatre then the cinema discovered him. After making 12 films he left the studios for 7 years during which time he went back to the theatre appearing in classics at the Old Vic and plays in the West End with films in between - his 13th was The Curse of the Fly,

Scottish-born actor James Donald was born in Aberdeen on May 18, 1917, and took his first professional stage bow some time in the late 30s. He finally attained a degree of stardom in 1943 for his sterling performance in Noël Coward's "Present Laughter", which starred Coward himself. Subsequent post-war theatre work included "The Eagle with Two Heads" (1947), "You Never Can Tell" (1948) and "The Heiress" (1949) with Ralph Richardson, Peggy Ashcroft and Donald Sinden.

Rather humorless in character with a gaunt, intent-looking face and no-nonsense demeanor, James made his debut in British films in 1942, fitting quite comfortably into the stoic war-era mold with roles in such noteworthy military sagas as In Which We Serve (1942) and The Way Ahead (1944). Ably supporting such top-notch actors as Spencer Tracy and Deborah Kerr in Edward, My Son (1949) and Elizabeth Taylor and Stewart Granger in Beau Brummell (1954), he also managed to head up a number of films including White Corridors (1951) in which he and Googie Withers play husband and wife doctors who try to balance career and marriage; Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers (1952) as "Nathaniel Winkle", and The Net (1953) as a scientist obsessed with his work. In addition, he earned superb marks for a number of quality films in the 1950s and 1960s. His portrayal of painter 'Vincent Van Gogh''s brother "Theo" in Lust for Life (1956) with Kirk Douglas, was quite memorable, as was his trenchant work in the WWII POW dramas The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), The Great Escape (1963), and King Rat (1965). Most of the men he played were intelligent, moral-minded and honorable. While continuing to perform on stage, he also gained TV exposure. James received an Emmy nomination for his role as "Prince Albert" opposite Julie Harris in Victoria Regina (1961), and performed the part of the cruel-eyed stepfather "Mr. Murdstone" in the period remake of David Copperfield (1970) toward the end of his career. Off the screen for a number of years, he died of stomach cancer on August 3, 1993 in England. He was 76.

Terry Pratchett was born on 28 April 1948 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for Good Omens (2019), Untitled Discworld Project and The Wee Free Men. He was married to Lyn Marian Purves. He died on 12 March 2015 in Broadchalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Willoughby Gray was born on 5 November 1916 in London, England, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for The Princess Bride (1987), A View to a Kill (1985) and Madame Bovary (1964). He was married to Felicity Gray. He died on 13 February 1993 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

James Grout was born on 22 October 1927 in Edmonton, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Mother Love (1989), Inspector Morse (1987) and Born and Bred (1978). He was married to Noreen J. Fowler. He died on 24 June 2012 in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Scott Forbes was born on 11 September 1920 in High Wycombe, England, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for The Adventures of Jim Bowie (1956), The Saint (1962) and The Penthouse (1967). He was married to Jeanne Moody. He died on 25 February 1997 in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, UK.

James Saxon was born on 12 June 1955 in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Les Misérables (1998), A Prayer for the Dying (1987) and Biggles: Adventures in Time (1986). He died on 2 July 2003 in Mere, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Conrad Phillips was born on 13th April 1925 and, after serving in the Royal Navy (having forged the birth date on his ration book to make himself appear older and thus eligible to enlist) during the Second World War, turned to acting as a career. He 'trod the boards', appearing in films (TV and cinema) and the stage between 1948 and 1991 when pain in his back, hip and both knee joints (arising as a result of accidents during his acting), brought about a premature end to his acting career. He is best known for his lead role in the long-running TV series, William Tell, which had 39 episodes between 1958 and 1959.

Conrad married his second wife, Jennie, in July 1968 and at the time of his death they were living in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Before that they bought and ran a dilapidated Scottish hill farm called Skeoch. Jennie wrote a book about the time there and this was on sale in both paperback and ebook formats. After Skeoch, they moved to France and spent 20 years restoring an old French barn. Conrad was also an author.

To aid his musings, Conrad loved the occasional whisky or, better still, a cold pint of the local brew, Wadworths 6X.

He was educated at Eton College and at Oxford University (Christs Church), Oxford, England. He gained the rank of Lieutenant in the service of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He fought in the Second World War between 1939 and 1945. He wrote the book "Sub-Lieutenant", published in 1942. He graduated from Oxford University in 1948 with the degree of Master of Arts (M.A.). He was the librarian between 1948-49 at Ashbridge College.

He wrote "Nelson's Band of Brothers" (published 1951), "One Man's Meat" (published 1953), and "Murder Story" (published 1954). He was a newscaster for ITN between 1956 and 1958. He held the office of Chancellor of the Navy Records Society between 1957 and 1960. In 1958 he fought the Rochdale by-election, as a Liberal candidate. In 1959 he fought for the Rochdale seat in the general election, again as a Liberal candidate.

He was a commentator and TV presenter for BBC, ITA, ATV, ABC and Yorkshire TV, on various show including Panorama, Face the Press, 24 Hours, Midweek, and Newsday between 1960 and 1979. He wrote the book "Ten Rillington Place" (which was published in 1961), "The Trial of Stephen Ward" (published 1964), "Very Lovely People" (published 1969). "Pursuit: the chase and sinking of the Bismarck" (published 1974), "A Presumption of Innocence: the amazing case of Patrick Meehan" (published 1975), "The Portland Spy Case" (published 1979), "Menace: the life and death of the Tirpitz" (published 1979), "Wicked Beyond Belief" (published 1980), "The Airman and the Carpenter" (published 1985), "On MY Way to the Club" (published 1989), "Euthanasia: the good death" (published 1990), "Truth to Tell" (published 1991), and "In Bed With an Elephant: a journey through Scotland's past and present" (published 1995).

Paul DiAnno was born on 17 May 1958 in Chingford, East London, England, UK. He was an actor and composer, known for Iron Maiden: Running Free (1985), Me Me Me (2011) and Top of the Pops (1964). He was married to Beverley, Wife #4, Wife #5, Wife #2 and Wife #3. He died on 21 October 2024 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Suzanne Farrington was born on 12 October 1933 in London, England, UK. She is known for Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond (1990). She was married to Robin Farrington. She died on 1 March 2015 in Lower Zeals, Warminster, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Cecil Beaton was born on 14 January 1904 in London, England, UK. He was a costume designer, known for My Fair Lady (1964), Gigi (1958) and Anna Karenina (1948). He died on 18 January 1980 in Broadchalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Jennifer started her career with the BBC as a presenter and went on to work in various films and TV. She also worked as a photographic model involved with London Fashion Week. It was during the filming of a series called The Caesars (1968) at Granada TV that she met Eddy Shah. Following the sale of Eddy's newspapers they entered into partnership both privately and professionally owning and managing golf and country clubs with hotels in East Anglia. Following extensive lifesaving radiation therapy 22 years ago Jennifer now walks with the aid of crutches and relies on a wheelchair to get around. Presently Jennifer runs The Wiltshire Golf and Country Club very successfully while enjoying home-life with Eddy and their three children.

Eddie Cochran was born as Ray Edward Cochran on October 3, 1938 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. When Eddie was 14, his parents moved to Bell Gardens, California where he began playing the guitar. In 1954, Eddie joined a local band with songwriter Hank Cochran where Eddie performed as the second vocalist. The group became known as "The Cochran Brothers" even though Eddie and Hank were not related. The Cochran Brothers were, more or less, a country-western act until Elvis Presley began overshadowing their acts in 1955. Shortly thereafter, the duo broke up with Eddie hurtling towards a career in rock and roll and Hank moving to Nashville where he became a successful songwriter. In 1956, Eddie hooked up with Jerry Capehart, an old friend who was also a songwriter. The two landed a recording contract with Crest Records, a small label in Hollywood, California.

Si Warmoker, an executive at Liberty Records, heard Eddie's singing and thought he could make Eddie into Liberty's answer to Elvis. To help launch Eddie's career, Liberty Records arranged for him to have a cameo in the movie The Girl Can't Help It (1956) which starred Jayne Mansfield. Eddie, in his cameo role as himself, sang the song "Twenty Flight Rock". Eddie also appeared as himself in the grade-B movie Untamed Youth (1957). Eddie's first single "Sittin' in the Balconcy" became one of the top 20 on the music charts. It was almost a year later that Eddie had another hit record titled "Summertime Blues" in 1958. "Summertime Blues" scored top with the teenage listeners and Eddie became one of Liberty's biggest successes. With this song, Eddie was established as an important influence on music in the late 1950s.

In 1959, Eddie met songwriter Sharon Sheeley, whom he asked to write a song with him and their collaboration produced the single "Somethin' Else", which Liberty released in September 1959. In early 1960, Eddie toured England for several weeks. Sharon joined Eddie on his tour which concluded with a concert in Bristol. The day after the concert, Eddie, Sharon and singer Gene Vincent were scheduled to return to the United States on an early morning flight. During the ride to Heathrow Airport, the Ford consul taxi they were riding in blew a tire and skidded into a lamp post off the road. Sharon was badly injured, Vincent suffered a broken leg and other broken ribs, while Eddie suffered severe head injuries and died several hours later at a local hospital on the afternoon of April 17, 1960 at age 21.

Dorothy Frere was born on 15 September 1910 in Blyth, Northumberland, England, UK. She was an actress, known for The Snake Woman (1961), David Copperfield (1966) and Softly Softly (1966). She was married to Reginald Geoffrey Wood. She died on 18 April 1985 in Warminster, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Campbell Morrison was born on 21 June 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. He was an actor, known for Life Without George (1987), Eldorado (1992) and Ain't Misbehavin' (1997). He was married to Nicki Ballantyne. He died on 10 January 2008 in Warminster, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Phil Lynott was born on 20 August 1949 in West Bromwich, Birmingham, England, UK. He was an actor and composer, known for A Knight's Tale (2001), The Expendables (2010) and Rush (2013). He was married to Caroline Crowther. He died on 4 January 1986 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Louie Ramsay was born on 25 November 1929 in Molteno, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She was an actress, known for Ruth Rendell Mysteries (1987), The Avengers (1961) and Softly Softly (1966). She was married to George Baker and Ronan O'Casey. She died on 6 March 2011 in Devizes, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Tim Meats was born in 1947 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for State of Emergency (1975), Miracles Take Longer (1983) and Kinsey (1991). He died on 7 May 2019 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK.

Michael Turner was born on 19 July 1921 in Tabankulu, East Province, South Africa. He was an actor, known for Cry Freedom (1987), Cranford (1972) and The Black Arrow (1951). He was married to Monica Kirton. He died on 14 July 2012 in Wiltshire, England, UK.

Sidney Gilliat, the English director, screenwriter, and producer, was born on February 15, 1908 in Edgely, Cheshire, England. He began his screen-writing career in the silent movie era, writing inter-titles, going uncredited for his contributions to Adam's Apple (1928), Champagne (1928), and Week-End Wives (1929). He first entered into a working relationship with director Alfred Hitchcock on The Manxman (1929), for which he did uncredited research. Ten years later, he would help write the dialog for the director's Jamaica Inn (1939). He eventually became a credited screenwriter in the 1930s, with A Gentleman of Paris (1931).

He partnered with Frank Launder, whom he first worked with uncredited on Under the Greenwood Tree (1929), and together they wrote, directed and produced almost 40 movies between their first credited collaboration Facing the Music (1933) through The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery (1966), which they also co-directed. For Hitchcock, they co-wrote the classic The Lady Vanishes (1938). They also wrote Night Train to Munich (1940) for Carol Reed. Their collaboration is most famous for generating the St. Trinian's films, most notably The Belles of St. Trinian's (1954), which was directed by Launder and featured a tour de force performance by Alastair Sim. Sim was also the star of their The Green Man (1956), for which they received second straight Best British Screenplay nomination from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Sidney Gilliat died on May 31, 1994 in Wiltshire, England. He was 86 years old.

Virginia Nicolson was born on 1 March 1916 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was an actress, known for Too Much Johnson (1938), The Hearts of Age (1934) and With Orson Welles: Stories of A Life in Film (1990). She was married to John C. Pringle, Charles Lederer and Orson Welles. She died in September 1996 in Wiltshire, England, UK.

Niven Boyd was born on 22 November 1954 in Dursley, Gloucestershire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Sid and Nancy (1986), Out of Africa (1985) and Coronation Street (1960). He died on 28 January 2001 in Hindon, Wiltshire, England, UK.