Leslie French was an American actor known for his roles in The Avengers, The Living Daylights, and The Leopard. He was born on April 23, 1904, in Bromley, Kent, England, and passed away on January 21, 1999, in Surrey, England.
Personal and Family Life
Leslie French began his career as a child actor and was also a singer and dancer. He experienced much success during the 1920s and 1930s. Notably, he was part of the International Ballet Company and had various interesting experiences throughout his life, including a claim of seeing a ghost while performing at Hampton Court.
Career Highlights
French was offered the role of the First Doctor in Doctor Who, a role that eventually went to William Hartnell. He later made a small appearance in the show’s 25th anniversary special, serving as a nod to this early opportunity. Additionally, he was famously known as the nude model for the Ariel statue at the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London.
Death and Legacy
Leslie French passed away on January 21, 1999, in Surrey, England. He is remembered for his diverse contributions to film and television, as well as his memorable performances over a long and distinguished career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Morte a Venezia | 1971-03-05 | Travel Agent |
| C’era una volta | 1967-10-19 | Giuseppe da Copertino |
| The Singer Not the Song | 1961-01-05 | Father Gomez |
| Peg of Old Drury | 1935-08-27 | Alexander Pope |
| This England | 1941-07-22 | Johnny |
| Il giovane Toscanini | 1988-10-07 | |
| Radio Pirates | 1935-08-18 | |
| The Rescue Squad | 1963-01-01 | |
| The Living Daylights | 1987-06-29 | Lavatory Attendant |
| Doctor Who: Silver Nemesis | 1988-12-07 | Mathematician |
| The Scapegoat | 1959-08-06 | Lacoste |
| The Insect Play | 1939-05-29 | Mr. Cricket / Second Snail |
| Il gattopardo | 1963-03-27 | Cavalier Chevalley |
| Orders to Kill | 1958-07-25 | Lafitte |
| Henry IV Part 2 | 1979-12-16 | Justice Silence |
| O Mary This London | 1994-03-30 | The Major |
| The Dark Angel | 1987-02-01 | Lawyer |
| Le streghe | 1967-02-22 | Industrialist (segment “La strega bruciata viva”) |
| Invitation to the Wedding | 1983-01-01 | |
| The Wallet | 1952-12-12 | |
| Emma | 1960-02-26 | Mr. Woodhouse |
| The Avengers | 1961-01-07 | Rathbone |
| Interpol Calling | 1959-09-13 | Pimm |
| The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes | 1971-09-20 | Parkinson |
| Maigret | 1960-10-31 | Emile |
| Lovejoy | 1986-01-10 | Cuthie |
| Lady Killers | 1980-07-20 | Justice Denman |
| Lady Killers | 1980-07-20 | Judge |
| Manhunt | 1970-01-02 | Dr. Davalle |