Kent Walton was an American actor known for his work as the voice of British wrestling, as well as his roles in various films and television shows. He was born Kenneth Walton Beckett in Cairo, Egypt, and grew up in Haslemere, Surrey.
Personal and Family Life
Kent Walton was born on August 22, 1917, and spent his early years in Egypt, where his father served as a finance minister. Eventually, he moved to Haslemere, England, and attended Charterhouse, a prestigious school. He married Lynn Smith in 1949, and together they had one child. Walton led a private family life, rarely sharing details about it publicly.
Career
Walton began his career in acting after training at the Embassy School of Acting in London. He garnered early roles in films like “Small Town Story” and “The Heart of a Man.” His major breakthrough came as a sports commentator and TV presenter, where he became well-known as the voice of British wrestling from 1955 until 1988. Walton also produced films, including some adult titles, under pseudonyms in collaboration with Hazel Adair.
Death and Legacy
Kent Walton passed away on August 24, 2003, in Guildford, England, due to natural causes. His death marked the end of an era for British wrestling commentary, but many people remember him fondly for his distinct voice and engaging presence. Although his film work often went overlooked, he made notable contributions to television and film throughout his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Small Town Story | 1953-12-21 | Bob Regan |
| Swinging U.K. | 1964-08-01 | Presenter |
| U.K. Swings Again | 1965-07-28 | Presenter |
| The Heart of a Man | 1959-08-06 | Himself |
| Sinfonia fatale | 1947-05-01 | Teddy Malone |
| Caribbean Carousel | 1966-01-01 | Narrator |