Mick Dillon was an American actor best known for his work as a stunt double in films such as A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Help!, and The Charge of the Light Brigade. Born as Michael Patrick Dillon on June 15, 1926, in Epsom, Surrey, England, he had a significant career in film and television before his passing on July 23, 2006.
Personal and Family Life
Mick Dillon came from a prominent horse-racing family. His grandfather was a well-known horse trainer, and his father and uncles were successful jockeys. He married Brenda Freeman in 1948, with whom he had three children. Brenda passed away in 2001, after being married for over 50 years.
Career Highlights
Dillon began riding horses at an early age due to his family’s involvement in racing. Although he had small roles in various movies and television shows, his primary claim to fame was as a stunt double for notable actors. He performed stunts for Buster Keaton and Ringo Starr, among others, and had memorable appearances as the monster in Gorgo and a Dalek in Dr. Who & The Daleks.
Death and Legacy
Mick Dillon died on July 23, 2006, in England. His contributions to the film industry, particularly as a stunt performer, left a lasting impact on the cinematic world. He is remembered for his unique roles and the diverse characters he portrayed, which showcased his versatility.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gorgo | 1961-02-02 | Gorgo |
| The Charge of the Light Brigade | 1968-04-10 | Highlander |
| How I Won the War | 1967-10-18 | 1st Replacement |
| Shakespeare or Bust | 1973-01-08 | Boxer |
| Dr. Who and the Daleks | 1965-08-23 | Dalek Operator |
| Champions | 1984-04-20 | Snowy |
| The Day of the Triffids | 1963-04-24 | Triffid (uncredited) |