Edric Connor was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Vikings, Moby Dick, and King of Kings. Born on August 2, 1913, in Mayaro, Trinidad, British West Indies, he became a notable figure in British cinema during the 1950s and 1960s.
Personal and Family Life
Edric Connor was married to Pearl Connor in April 1948, and they had one daughter, Geraldine Connor, born in 1952. The couple emigrated to England in the 1940s, where they made significant contributions to the arts, including founding one of Britain’s first black theatre groups, the Negro Theatre Workshop, in 1963. He was also a pioneer of the calypso music style and led a band called ‘The Caribbeans.’
Career
Connor began his international career with the BBC radio in 1944 and was the first black actor to join the Royal Shakespeare Company. His film appearances include widely recognized films such as 4 for Texas and King of Kings. He was also noted for his contribution to music, recording albums featuring calypso and Jamaican songs.
Death and Legacy
Edric Connor passed away on October 16, 1968, in London, England, due to a stroke. His work in film and music left a lasting impact, particularly in promoting Caribbean culture in the UK. His contributions to theatre and television have paved the way for future generations of black actors in Britain.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 4 for Texas | 1963-12-21 | Prince George |
| Nobody Runs Forever | 1968-08-22 | Julius |
| West of Zanzibar | 1954-03-24 | Ushingo |
| Virgin Island | 1959-08-07 | Captain Jason |
| Fire Down Below | 1957-05-30 | Jimmy Jean |
| King of Kings | 1961-10-11 | Balthazar |
| Animated Genesis | 1952-01-01 | sung narration |
| The Vikings | 1958-06-11 | Sandpiper |
| Cry, the Beloved Country | 1951-11-16 | John Kumalo |
| Moby Dick | 1956-06-27 | Daggoo |
| Only When I Larf | 1968-05-27 | Awana |
| Bound for Lagos | 1960-01-01 | |
| The Roots of Heaven | 1958-10-15 | Waitari |
| Carnival Fantastique | 1960-01-01 | Self – Commentator |
| The Avengers | 1961-01-07 | |
| Man in a Suitcase | 1967-09-27 |