Hubbry Logo
Gary RaymondGary RaymondMain
Open search
Gary Raymond
Community hub
Gary Raymond
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Gary Raymond
Gary Raymond
from Wikipedia

Gary Barrymore Raymond (born 20 April 1935) is an English film, television and theatre actor.[1][2]

Key Information

Biography

[edit]

Gary Raymond was born in Brixton, London, the younger of twins and the youngest of three brothers, to theatrical parents, both of whom were variety artistes. His mother died of tuberculosis within nine months of the twins' birth, and the two were then in the care of a nanny. When Raymond was eleven years old, he won a scholarship to the Gateway School and remained there until he was sixteen.

After training at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Raymond worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1950s, playing roles such as Macbeth, Oberon and Claudius, and others. He made his film debut as Charles Stuart (King Charles II) in the British swashbuckling film The Moonraker (1958). He soon followed up with his role as Cliff Lewis in Tony Richardson's film adaptation of John Osborne's Look Back in Anger (1958), opposite Richard Burton and Mary Ure. Subsequent notable films included: Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), in which he appeared with Katharine Hepburn, Mercedes McCambridge and Elizabeth Taylor; The Millionairess (1960), where Raymond played Sophia Loren's character's husband; El Cid (1961), an epic film in which he played opposite Charlton Heston and Loren; The Playboy of the Western World (1962), which he starred in; Jason and the Argonauts (1963), a fantasy film; and The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), where he portrayed the apostle Simon bar Jonah, who became Saint Peter.

Raymond's broad theatrical career began in the mid 1950s, and he has continued appearing on stage all throughout his film and television career. Notable productions include She Loves Me, Treasure Island, Irma La Douce, The Sound of Music, Grand Hotel, The Complaisant Lover, As You Like It, Hamlet, The Crucifer of Blood, Twelfth Night, Full Circle, Look After Lulu!, Dick Turpin, Lysistrata, Frost at Midnight, The Numbered, Electra, Castle in Sweden, The World of Susie Wong, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Troilus and Cressida, The Jungle Book, Peer Gynt, The Trackers of Oxyrhynchus, The Good Person of Sichuan, My Children My Africa, The Beaux Stratagem, Bent, Sunday in the Park with George, The Wind in the Willows and Follies, as well as dozens of others.

He is also well known for his role as Sergeant Jack Moffitt in the late-1960s American television show, The Rat Patrol (1966–68), which ran for two seasons.

Raymond has been married since 1961 to actress Delena Kidd, with whom he has three children.

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1956 The Black Brigand (TV series) Francis 8 episodes
1958 The Adventures of Robin Hood (TV series) Henry Episode: "One Man's Meat"
1958 About Religion (TV series) Episode: "Christ in Jeans"
1958 The Moonraker Charles Stuart
1958 ITV Television Playhouse (TV series) Obie Episode: "Poet's Corner"
1959 Look Back in Anger Cliff Lewis
1959 The Invisible Man (TV series) Prince Jonetta Episode: "Man in Power"
1959 Suddenly, Last Summer George Holly
1960 The Millionairess Alastair
1961 ITV Play of the Week (TV series) Joesy Vaughan Episode: "Hallelujah Corner"
1961 Drama 61-67 (TV series) Episode: "Drama '61: The Best of Everything"
1961 El Cid Prince Sancho
1962 Out of this World (TV series) Seldon Bishop Episode: "Immigrant"
1962 Man of the World (TV series) Hossain Episode: "The Frontier"
1962 Playboy of the Western World The Playboy (Christy Mahon)
1963 Jason and the Argonauts Acastus
1963 The Sentimental Agent (TV series) Mateo Episode: "A Box of Tricks"
1964 Martin Chuzzlewit (TV series) Martin Chuzzlewit 13 episodes
1964 Traitor's Gate/Das Verrätertor Graham
1965 The Greatest Story Ever Told Peter
1965 The Saint (TV series) Gilberto Arroyo Episode: "The Spanish Cow"
1965 Blackmail (TV series) Machiavelli Edwards Episode: "Cut Yourself a Slice of Throat"
1966 The Hunchback of Notre Dame (TV series) Pierre Gringoire 7 episodes
1966 Love Story (TV series) Karim Lateef Episode: "Another Name from Nowhere"
1967 Red and Blue Songwriter
1966–1968 The Rat Patrol (TV series) Sergeant Jack Moffitt 58 episodes
1968 What Maisie Knew (TV series) Sir Claude 3 episodes
1968 Massacre Harbor Sergeant Jack Moffitt
1968 Sherlock Holmes (TV series) Sir Henry Baskerville 2 episodes
1969 Who-Dun-It (TV series) Jeremy Moon 5 episodes
1969 Dombey and Son (TV mini series) James Carker 9 episodes
1970 ITV Sunday Night Theatre (TV series) Orsino Episode: "Twelfth Night"
1971 UFO (TV series) Colonel John Grey Episode: "The Man Who Came Back"
1971 And Mother Makes Three (TV series) John Montgomery Episode: "School for Love"
1971 The Doctors (TV series) Paul Foster 6 episodes
1971 Jason King (TV series) Sandro Episode: "Buried in the Cold Cold Ground"
1972 The Persuaders! (TV series) Sergei Episode: "The Ozerov Inheritance"
1972 BBC Show of the Week (TV series) Episode: "Keith Michell at the Adelphi"
1972 New Scotland Yard (TV series) Ronnie Johnson Episode: "Evidence of Character"
1972 Harriet's Back in Town (TV series) Andrew Folland 6 episodes
1973 Comedy Playhouse (TV series) Episode: "The Birthday"
1974 Boy Dominic (TV series) Carnaby Episode: "The Man with the Painted Face"
1976 The New Avengers (TV series) Roger Masgard Episode: "Three Handed Game"
1977–1978 The Cedar Tree (TV series) Jack Poole 36 episodes
1979 Thomas and Sarah (TV series) Eli Watkins Episode: "Return to Gethyn"
1979 The Omega Factor (TV series) Townsend Episode: "Out of Body, Out of Mind"
1980 Spy! (TV series) Commandant Episode: "Camp 020"
1980 Hammer House of Horror (TV series) Martin Episode: "The Two Faces of Evil"
1982 Playhouse: The Combination (TV movie) Father – Mr Bedford
1983 Jemima Shore Investigates (TV series) Sterling Stanley Episode: "Dr. Ziegler's Casebook"
1984 Play for Today (TV series) Michael Episode: "Moving on the Edge"
1985 Coronation Street (TV series) Wally Trainer Episode: "Episode #1.2524"
1986 God's Outlaw Sir John Walsh
1987 Screen Two (TV series) Quentin Featherston Episode: "The Children of Dynmouth"
1988 The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank (TV movie) Kraler
1994 Scarlett (TV mini series) Old Daniel O'Hara 3 episodes
1995 Casualty (TV series) William Gower Episode: "Lost Boys"
1996 Ellington (TV series) Falconni Episode: "Man of Honour"
1997 Love in the Ancient World (TV movie) Member at Platon's Guest meal
2001 Brilliant! (Short) Art Collector
2001 Victoria & Albert (TV movie) Archbishop
2003 The Foreigner Jared Olyphant
2007 Empathy (TV movie) Walt
2010 S.N.U.B! Ministerial Driver (voice)
2011 Balzan's Contract (short)
2014 Sex, Marriage and Infidelity Sir Edward
2017 National Theatre Live: Follies Dimitri Weismann
2022 House of the Dragon The High Septon 2 episodes
2025 The History of Sound William

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gary Raymond (born Gary Barrymore Raymond; 20 April 1935) is an English actor best known for his roles in films such as Jason and the Argonauts (1963) and the television series (1966–1968). Born in , , to a family in the entertainment industry—his father a and singer, his mother a singer and dancer—Raymond was the younger of twins and the youngest of three brothers. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before beginning his professional career in theatre and film. Raymond made his film debut in 1958 as Charles Stuart in the swashbuckler , opposite George Baker and . His early breakthrough came with the role of Cliff Lewis in the 1959 adaptation of , directed by and starring and . That same year, he appeared as a minor character in , featuring and . In 1963, Raymond gained wider recognition for portraying Acastus in Ray Harryhausen's mythological epic Jason and the Argonauts, alongside and . He followed this with supporting roles in notable 1960s films, including (1961) and (1965). On television, Raymond starred as the erudite Sergeant Jack Moffitt, a British archaeologist and demolitions expert, in the ABC action-adventure series , which aired for two seasons and depicted Allied commandos in during . His theatre credits include extensive work in the West End, productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and appearances at the Royal National Theatre, as well as musicals such as , , and Grand Hotel. Throughout his career, Raymond has been recognized for his robust presence and versatility across genres, from classical to and war stories, contributing to over 50 film and television projects, including a recent role as the High Septon in (2022). As of 2025, at age 90, he remains a figure of enduring interest in British entertainment history.

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Gary Barrymore Raymond was born on 20 April 1935 in , , the younger twin brother of Robin Rodney Raymond by 20 minutes, making him the youngest of three brothers with an older brother. His parents, both variety artistes in the British theatre scene, immersed the family in the world; his father, Bob Raymond, worked as a light comedian and dancer, while his mother, Paddy Lee, performed as a chorus girl in C.B. Cochran's revues. Tragically, his mother died of just nine months after his birth, leaving the infant twins without her care. Following his wife's death, Bob Raymond assumed responsibility for raising his sons, though his demanding touring schedule across the country meant the boys were often in the care of nannies or relatives and saw their father infrequently during their early years. Despite this separation, Raymond's childhood was steeped in the milieu of live performance, as he occasionally attended his father's shows at venues like the Camberwell Palace and Collins Music Hall, fostering an early fascination with the stage. His christening name, incorporating "Barrymore" after the renowned American acting dynasty, further underscored the family's theatrical expectations and heritage. Growing up in during the tail end of the in 1930s , Raymond experienced the economic hardships of a working-class neighborhood where variety theatre provided accessible for audiences amid widespread and . This environment, combined with his parents' profession, shaped his early aspirations toward , offering a contrast to more conventional paths like the policing career his father once encouraged.

Training and Early Influences

Evacuated to with his twin during bombings as young children, Raymond later won a at the age of 11 to the Gateway School in , where he studied until he was 16, reflecting his early academic aptitude that secured the award. This post-war structured education away from his roots laid a foundation for his developing interests. Following graduation from Gateway School, Raymond took on various odd jobs, including as a furrier and , while nurturing his aspirations in , inspired by his family's heritage—his father, Bob Raymond, was a light comedian and dancer, and his mother, Paddy Lee, had been a performer in C.B. Cochran's revues. This background in British variety traditions, where he occasionally watched his father perform at venues like the Palace, fueled his desire to pursue rather than replicating the variety style. In his late teens, Raymond gained entry to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), training there from approximately 1953 and earning his diploma in 1955. At RADA, he honed his skills in classical and contemporary techniques, preparing for a stage career amid the post-war British theatre revival, though specific instructors from his cohort are not detailed in records. His pre-debut experiences included amateur engagements tied to school and family circles, emphasizing dramatic readings and sketches influenced by the era's emphasis on ensemble work in emerging repertory companies.

Professional Career

Theatre Work

Gary Raymond's professional theatre career commenced in the mid-1950s, following his graduation from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he initially took on small roles in repertory theatres across Britain. These early engagements in regional productions, such as unnamed parts in the Royal Shakespeare Company's tour of and in 1955, provided foundational experience in ensemble playing and rapid role transitions typical of repertory work. In the late 1950s, Raymond established a significant association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, contributing to its and touring seasons. He portrayed lead and supporting Shakespearean figures, including in Macbeth, the fairy king in , and the scheming in , roles that highlighted his command of tragic intensity and authoritative presence on stage. These performances, spanning the decade, underscored his early prowess in classical and helped solidify his standing within Britain's premier Shakespearean ensemble. Raymond's theatre work extended to prominent West End productions, exemplified by his role as the affable lodger Cliff Lewis in the 1957 revival of John Osborne's at the Royal Court Theatre, a key piece of the "" movement that captured post-war disillusionment. Though his career did not include Broadway appearances, his stage credits through the 1960s further demonstrated his adaptability to dramatic traditions. Over the 1950s to 1980s, Raymond's output encompassed a wide array of classical revivals and modern works, with his Shakespearean versatility—encompassing characters like Horatio, Benedick, Orlando, and —remaining a hallmark of his enduring theatrical legacy. Raymond also appeared in several musicals, including (1958), (1964), and Grand Hotel (1993).

Film Roles

Gary Raymond made his film debut in the 1958 swashbuckler , portraying Charles Stuart in a story set during the . In 1959, Raymond appeared in two notable dramatic adaptations: as the supportive friend Cliff Lewis in , directed by , and as George Holly in , under Joseph L. Mankiewicz's direction. These roles showcased his ability to convey emotional depth in character-driven narratives drawn from contemporary plays. Raymond's career in the early extended into epic cinema, where he took on supporting parts in large-scale historical and mythological productions. He played Prince Sancho, the ambitious son of King Ferdinand, in Anthony Mann's (1961), contributing to the film's portrayal of medieval Spanish heroism. In Don Chaffey's Jason and the Argonauts (1963), he portrayed the treacherous Acastus, a role that highlighted his skill in embodying complex antagonists amid the film's groundbreaking stop-motion effects. His epic work culminated in George Stevens' (1965), where he depicted , the apostle Simon Peter, in a biblical retelling emphasizing spiritual conviction. These performances established Raymond in genres blending spectacle with dramatic intensity, often requiring him to support star-led ensembles. Throughout his career, Raymond continued to appear in films across dramatic and historical veins, with later credits including the role of Sir Edward in the 2015 drama Sex, Marriage and Infidelity. In 2025, he portrayed William Swain in Oliver Hermanus's period romance The History of Sound, a exploring early 20th-century and personal bonds. His experience from informed these screen roles, lending a nuanced presence to both intimate and expansive narratives.

Television Appearances

Gary Raymond began his television career in the mid-1960s with guest roles in British anthology series, marking his transition from and to broadcast media. In 1966, he appeared as Karim Lateef in the episode "Another Name from Nowhere" of the ITV series Love Story, a exploring interpersonal relationships. The following year, he portrayed a songwriter in the short television production Red and Blue, which depicted the contrasting realities of a performer's life in . Raymond's breakthrough in television came with his starring role as Sergeant Jack Moffitt, a British archaeologist-turned-soldier in the North African desert during , in the ABC action-adventure series (1966–1968). He appeared in all 58 episodes across two seasons, contributing to the show's depiction of against Axis forces through high-speed chases and tactical raids. This American production significantly expanded his visibility to international audiences, blending his theatre-honed dramatic skills with serialized action storytelling. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Raymond took on guest spots in both British and American series, including recurring appearances in Who-Dun-It (1969) and The Doctors (1971), as well as episodes of The Persuaders! (1971) and UFO (1971). These roles often showcased his versatility in mystery, , and genres. He also featured in adaptations of literary works for television, such as James Carker in the miniseries Dombey and Son (1969), based on ' novel, and Orsino in an ITV production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (1970). In the 1980s and 1990s, Raymond continued with prominent television roles, including Kraler in the CBS TV movie The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank (1988), an adaptation of Miep Gies' memoir about the Holocaust, where he portrayed the office manager who aided the Frank family. He later played Old Daniel O'Hara in the NBC miniseries Scarlett (1994), a sequel to Gone with the Wind that revisited Irish immigrant themes. These performances highlighted his ability to bring depth to historical and dramatic narratives. Raymond's television work extended into the 21st century, demonstrating his enduring presence across decades. In 2010, he provided the voice of the Ministerial Driver in the sci-fi thriller S.N.U.B.!, a production addressing post-apocalyptic survival in a British bunker setting. His most recent appearance was as the High Septon in the series (2022), contributing to the fantasy epic's portrayal of Westerosi religious figures in a single episode. This long-spanning career in television, from episodic guest roles to miniseries and adaptations, underscored Raymond's adaptability in both British and American broadcast formats.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Gary Raymond married actress on September 9, 1961, after meeting her during a production of a modern adaptation of Aristophanes' at the in 1957. The couple's marriage, marked by their shared background in acting, has endured for over 64 years as of 2025, during which they frequently collaborated on stage, including performances in Dear Liar as and . Raymond and Kidd have three children: a son, Matthew Raymond, and two daughters, Sophie Raymond and Emily Raymond, the latter of whom has followed in her parents' footsteps as an . Their family life often intersected with Raymond's nomadic acting career, such as when the family relocated to in 1965 to accommodate his role in the television series , allowing Kidd to continue her own professional pursuits alongside raising their young children. The Raymond family has largely kept personal matters private, avoiding public controversies throughout the decades.

Later Years and Health

Following the peak of his career in the mid-20th century, Gary Raymond's acting engagements became notably less frequent after 2010, reflecting a shift toward semi-retirement while maintaining selective involvement in the industry. His credits during this period included minor roles in films such as S.N.U.B.! (2010) and Sex, Marriage and Infidelity (2014), before a return to television with the of the High Septon in two episodes of HBO's in 2022. Raymond has resided in the throughout his later years, continuing to base his professional and personal life in after decades of work in British theatre and . In 2025, at the age of 90, he appeared in the period drama The History of Sound, portraying William Swain in a cast alongside and , demonstrating his ongoing commitment to acting despite his advanced age. No major challenges have been publicly reported, allowing him to participate in such projects.

Legacy and Recognition

Critical Reception

Gary Raymond's early film role as Cliff Lewis in the 1959 adaptation of earned him praise for his relaxed and agreeable portrayal of the protagonist's loyal friend, with of describing him as "the most agreeable actor in the film." Critics noted his ability to provide a grounding contrast to the central character's volatility, contributing to the film's overall reception as a key work of the , though the production itself received mixed reviews for diluting the play's intensity. In Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Raymond's performance as the antagonistic Acastus was highlighted within the film's broadly acclaimed fantasy spectacle, where reviewers commended the ensemble's vigor in supporting Ray Harryhausen's effects-driven narrative; Variety praised the cast's commitment to the mythological adventure, positioning Raymond as a effectively scheming foil to the heroic lead. His portrayal added a layer of interpersonal tension to the epic, aligning with the film's enduring reputation for blending classical storytelling with innovative stop-motion animation. Raymond's theatre work, particularly during his time with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1950s and later classical revivals, drew consistent acclaim for his resonant voice and versatility in authoritative roles. Similarly, in the 1998 production of at the Open Air Theatre, , Kingston highlighted Raymond's for its "royal assurance," comparable to strong ensemble turns in . His interpretation of in the 1990 National Theatre revival of Sunday in the Park with George was described by Michael Billington of as shining with "velvet-smooth" rivalry and satirical edge, underscoring his skill in musical theatre's nuanced character work. On television, Raymond's starring role as Sgt. Jack Moffitt in (1966–1968) solidified his image as a charismatic , with contemporary reviews in outlets like appreciating the series' brisk pacing and his chemistry with co-stars, though critics often viewed it as escapist pulp rather than substantive drama. Overall, Raymond was regarded by peers and reviewers as an underappreciated excelling in ensemble epics and classical stages, with a career marked by strong vocal presence but few leading accolades; he received no major BAFTA nominations, though films like earned collective recognition.

Influence on Acting

Gary Raymond's successful transition from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) stage in the 1950s to prominent screen roles in the exemplified the pathway for British actors navigating from theatre to Hollywood during a period of expanding international opportunities for stage-trained performers. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performing Shakespearean roles with the RSC, Raymond appeared in major films such as (1961) and (1959), demonstrating how theatre-honed skills in voice, presence, and character depth translated effectively to cinematic narratives. This shift not only advanced his career but highlighted the era's cultural exchange, where RSC alumni increasingly bridged classical theatre and global film industries. Raymond made significant contributions to the adventure and biblical film genres through iconic supporting roles that enriched ensemble storytelling and thematic depth. As Acastus, the duplicitous prince in Jason and the Argonauts (1963), he portrayed betrayal amid mythological heroism, aiding the film's status as a cornerstone of fantasy-adventure cinema that blended Greek myth with innovative stop-motion effects to captivate audiences and influence visual storytelling in the genre. Similarly, his depiction of in (1965) captured the apostle's steadfast faith in a lavish epic, contributing to the 1960s wave of biblical spectacles that emphasized historical grandeur and moral complexity in Hollywood productions. In theatre education and networks, Raymond played a pivotal role as a founder member of the London Shakespeare Group, which toured Shakespearean productions to 55 countries over 20 years under the British Council's auspices, fostering international appreciation and training for emerging actors through collaborations with luminaries like and John Fraser. His involvement in such RSC-adjacent initiatives sustained connections, promoting rigorous classical training and global outreach that shaped subsequent generations of theatre practitioners. Raymond's enduring cultural legacy persists into the , with his genre-defining performances revisited in scholarly analyses of cinema and cited for their impact on fantasy archetypes in contemporary media. Raymond's roles, particularly Acastus in Jason and the Argonauts and Sgt. Jack Moffitt in , have achieved cult status, with the films and series frequently screened and analyzed in features as of 2025.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.