Harold Berens was an American actor known for Carry on Columbus, Trail of the Pink Panther, and The Avengers. Born on March 4, 1903, in Glasgow, Scotland, he became a prominent figure in British comedy.
Personal and Family Life
Harold Berens, originally named Isidor Harold Berenbaum, was born into a family where his father was a tailor. He was also educated in different cities, including Leeds, Harrogate, and Brussels. Harold was married to Veronica O’Connor from March 25, 1949, until their divorce in December 1960. He had a brother, Leslie Berens, who became a filmmaker.
Career
Before entering acting, Harold followed his father’s footsteps as a shirtmaker in London, catering to the stars. He gained fame in the 1940s through radio, with over 2000 broadcasts by 1947. He was also known for his distinct fashion sense as a ‘snappy dresser,’ and he later transitioned to film and television as a well-respected character actor.
Death and Legacy
Harold Berens passed away on May 10, 1995, in London, England. He left behind a legacy of over 200 films in which he acted, and he was noted for being the oldest working actor in British cinema during the making of Carry on Columbus at age 90. His diverse roles and unique voice contributed significantly to the comedic landscape of his time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Straight On Till Morning | 1972-07-09 | Mr. Harris |
| The Painted Smile | 1962-05-01 | Mikhala |
| The Man from Morocco | 1945-04-17 | Ali |
| Not So Dusty | 1956-02-16 | |
| What a Whopper | 1961-10-17 | Sammy |
| Hear My Song | 1991-12-27 | Benny Rose |
| The Secret | 1955-06-01 | Frank Farmer |
| Carry On Columbus | 1992-10-02 | Cecil the Torturer |
| The Pink Panther Strikes Again | 1976-12-15 | Hotel Clerk |
| Queen Kong | 1976-12-10 | Man in Phone Booth (uncredited) |
| Charley’s Black Magic | 1949-10-01 | |
| The Big Money | 1958-06-09 | Bookmaker |
| A Kid for Two Farthings | 1955-08-15 | Oliver |
| Hostile Witness | 1968-11-01 | Rosen |
| Candlelight in Algeria | 1944-03-19 | Toni |
| Trail of the Pink Panther | 1982-12-03 | Hotel Clerk |
| Charley’s March of Time | 1948-01-02 | Voice |
| Mozambique | 1964-12-07 | Banker |
| Man from Tangier | 1957-11-25 | Sammy |
| Robinson Charley | 1948-07-16 | (voice) |
| Charley in New Town | 1948-01-01 | (voice) |
| Farmer Charley | 1949-07-01 | |
| Minder | 1979-10-29 | Jacobson |
| The Prisoner | 1967-09-29 | Reporter |
| The Prisoner | 1967-09-29 | Boxing M.C. |
| The Human Jungle | 1963-03-30 | Mandelbaum |