Joe Melia was a British actor known for his work in various films and television series, including “Modesty Blaise,” “Privates on Parade,” and “The Odd Job.” He gained acclaim for his performances and won a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Personal and Family Life
Joe Melia was born Giovanni Philip William Melia on January 23, 1935, in Islington, London. He came from Italian parents and spent his childhood in Leicester due to World War II. He studied language at Cambridge University, where he was discovered by a talent scout while performing with the Cambridge Footlights Revue. Joe was married to Flora Melia from 1963 until her death in 2008, and together they had two children.
Career
Joe began his acting career while serving in the Intelligence Corps, performing in camp shows. After leaving the army, he lived in London and took various jobs while pursuing acting. His big break came in 1959 with the revue “One to Another” alongside Beryl Reid. He was soon cast in the film “Too Many Crooks,” leading to more prominent roles in film and television.
Death and Legacy
Joe Melia passed away on October 20, 2012, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. His contributions to the theater and film world have left a lasting impact, remembered for his versatility and talent in many different roles. His work continues to be celebrated by fans and in various film and theatre retrospectives.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Modesty Blaise | 1966-05-01 | Crevier |
| Pop Pirates | 1984-07-01 | Guard |
| Sakharov | 1984-06-20 | Sergej Kovalov |
| Privates on Parade | 1983-03-18 | Sergeant Len Bonny |
| The Sign of Four | 1983-12-06 | Jonathan Small |
| Double Dare | 1976-04-06 | Ben |
| Donkeys’ Years | 1980-01-01 | Kenneth Snell |
| The Wildcats of St. Trinian’s | 1980-09-10 | Flash Harry |
| Oh! What a Lovely War | 1969-03-10 | The Photographer |
| Four in the Morning | 1965-12-16 | Friend (“Joe”) |
| Sorry About Last Night | 1995-12-27 | Andy’s Father |
| Amazing Stories | 1976-02-01 | Stanley |
| The Odd Job | 1978-08-31 | Head Waiter |
| Sweeney! | 1977-01-14 | Ronnie Brent |
| The Intelligence Men | 1965-04-13 | Conductor |
| Punch and Judy: Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy | 1981-01-01 | Punch (voice) |
| Her Majesty’s Pleasure | 1973-10-25 | Mother Bear |
| Light | 1979-03-13 | Harry Webb |
| Too Many Crooks | 1959-03-08 | Whisper |
| The Caucasian Chalk Circle | 1985-01-01 | Dr Mikadze/Grand Duke/Inn Keeper/Monk |
| A Talent for Loving | 1969-01-01 | |
| Peter Pan | 1976-12-12 | Starkey |
| Antony and Cleopatra | 1972-03-18 | The Messenger |
| The Fallout Guy | 1991-07-24 | Mr Gold |
| It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll | 1977-06-28 | Addison |
| The Goodies | 1970-11-08 | |
| Call My Bluff | 1965-10-17 | |
| A Very Peculiar Practice | 1986-05-21 | Ron Rust |
| Birds of a Feather | 1989-10-16 | Greek Priest |
| Love on a Branch Line | 1994-06-12 | Mr Jones |
| Minder | 1979-10-29 | Ernie |
| Public Eye | 1965-01-23 | Billy Raybold |
| The Goodies | 1970-11-08 | Builder, Estate Agent |
| The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy | 1981-01-05 | Mr. Prosser |
| The Larkins | 1958-09-19 | Barrister |