James Hayter was an American actor best known for his roles in “Are You Being Served?”, “The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men,” and “David Copperfield.”
Personal and Family Life
James Hayter, born Henry James Goodenough Hayter on April 23, 1907, in Lonavala, India, was the son of a police superintendent. He was educated in Scotland and began acting after encouragement from his headmaster. Hayter had two marriages; first to Marjorie Lane, which ended in divorce, and later to Mary E. R. Shaw. He was a father to seven children and was a grandfather to actress Charity Wakefield.
Career
Hayter made his stage debut in 1925 and spent years performing in repertory theatre and the West End, including notable shows like “Pygmalion.” He appeared in films from 1936 and served in the Royal Armoured Corps during World War II. After the war, he gained fame as a character actor, especially in comedic roles, including Friar Tuck in two separate Robin Hood films and notable appearances in “The Pickwick Papers” and “David Copperfield.”
Death and Legacy
James Hayter passed away on March 27, 1983, in Villajoyosa, Spain, shortly before his co-star from “Four Sided Triangle,” Stephen Murray. His contributions to film and television have left a lasting mark, particularly for his memorable character roles that brought joy to audiences.