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Jess Conrad
Jess Conrad
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Jess Conrad (born Gerald Arthur James; 24 February 1936) is an English stage and screen actor and singer. As a boy he was nicknamed "Jesse" after American outlaw Jesse James; as there was already an actor named "Gerald James" in Actors' Equity, a drama teacher who was a fan of writer Joseph Conrad suggested the stage name of "Jess Conrad".[1]

Key Information

Biography

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Conrad was born in Brixton, South London and started his career as a repertory actor and film extra, before being cast in a television play, Bye, Bye Barney, as a pop singer.[2] He was noticed by Jack Good, who included him in his TV series Oh Boy!.[2] Conrad then was signed to Decca Records and had a number of chart hits, including "Cherry Pie", "This Pullover", "Mystery Girl" and "Pretty Jenny"; also recording for Columbia, Pye President and EMI.[3]

Between the late 1950s and mid-1960s, Conrad appeared in a number of films such as Serious Charge (uncredited), The Boys, Rag Doll, (filmed in 1960, and released in 1961); K.I.L. 1 and Konga as well as Michael Powell's The Queen's Guards. Conrad played Danny Pace in an episode of The Human Jungle called "The Flip Side Man" in 1963.

During the 1970s, he spent some time in the stage shows Godspell and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and also featured in a cameo role in the Sex Pistols film The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle.[2] In 1977 no fewer than seven of Conrad's singles were included in the 'World's Worst Record' list, chosen by listeners to Capital FM DJ Kenny Everett's show,[4] and "This Pullover", voted sixth worst song ever, later featured on The World's Worst Record Show, a 1978 LP dedicated to the songs voted for, together with two other Conrad recordings "Cherry Pie" and "Why Am I Living?" He also made an appearance in Are You Being Served as Mr Walpole, head of sporting equipment, in the episode "Memories Are Made of This".

Conrad also appeared in the 1984 TV series of Miss Marple, in the episode entitled The Body in the Library as Raymond Starr. He also starred in the 1993 film The Punk and the Princess.[5]

In the 1990s, Conrad made regular cameo appearances on Jim Davidson's revived version of The Generation Game on BBC1. In 1992, Conrad appeared in the Christmas Special of Big Break, also presented by Davidson and John Virgo. He was the "booby" prize of the show presented to actress Ruth Madoc.

Conrad in 2014

Since then, Conrad has appeared in a number of documentaries and television programmes, often offering stories of violent encounters with other famous people. In a BBC Arena documentary about the record producer Joe Meek, Conrad boasted of biting off part of the nose of the singer Heinz during a confrontation backstage at a package show in the early 1960s.[6][7] In 2005, Conrad had a guest role in the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.

In the 2009 film Telstar: The Joe Meek Story, Conrad is played by Nigel Harman. Conrad himself appears in one scene, depicting his backstage fight with Heinz and his biting of Heinz's nose. Conrad also plays the role of Larry Parnes in the film.[citation needed] In 2016 Conrad appeared in Liam Galvin's crime thriller film Mob Handed, playing a corrupt judge. In October 2022, he appeared in the BBC soap opera Doctors as Alan Yates.[8] In 2023, Conrad filmed a leading role in the film Somebody's Daughter written by Zara Phillips and again directed by Liam Galvin.

Awards

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Conrad is a member of the show business fraternity the Grand Order of Water Rats, having served as "King Rat".[9] He is also a Freemason and a member of Chelsea Lodge No. 3098, the membership of which is made up of entertainers.[10] He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours for charitable services.[11] In 2018, he appeared in ITV's Last Laugh in Vegas.

Personal life

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Conrad is married to Renee; the couple have two children.[12] He described the actress Diana Dors as "the best friend I ever had".[13]

Selected discography

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  • "Cherry Pie" / "There's Gonna Be A Day" 1960
  • "Out of Luck" / "Unless You Mean It" Decca UK 1960
  • "Mystery Girl" A2: Just The Two of Us B1: (I Wanna) Love My Life Away B2: Maybe You'll Be There 1961 EP
  • "Mystery Girl" / "The Big White House" 1961
  • "This Pullover" / "Why Am I Living" 1961
  • "I See You" / "Oh! You Beautiful Doll" 1961
  • "Every Breath I Take" / "Walk Away" 1961
  • "Twist My Wrist" / "Hey Little Girl" 1961

Filmography

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Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1955 The Cockleshell Heroes Sailor in Pub Uncredited
1956 Who Done It? Man Walking around Radio Show Uncredited
1956 Wicked as They Come Dancer in Club Uncredited
1956 My Teenage Daughter Dancer Uncredited
1956 The Extra Day Boxing Match Spectator Uncredited
1956 Reach for the Sky Cadet Pilot Uncredited
1958 Further Up the Creek Signalman Uncredited
1959 Serious Charge Dancer Uncredited
1959 The Ugly Duckling Bimbo
1959 Friends and Neighbours Buddy Fisher
1959 Follow a Star Theatre Heckler Uncredited
1960 Too Young to Love Peter Martin
1961 Konga Bob Kenton
1961 Rag Doll Shane
1961 The Queen's Guards Dankworth
1962 K.I.L. 1 Ted-o
1962 The Boys Barney Lee
1963 Aliki Barry Wilson
1964 The Golden Head Michael Stevenson
1965 The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders First Mohock
1967 Hell Is Empty Jess Shepherd
1969 The Assassination Bureau Angelo
1970 Cool It Carol! Jonathan
1972 The Flesh and Blood Show Young Actor
1980 The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle Jess
1985 Claudia Man at Deli
1986 Absolute Beginners Cappuccino Man
1989 Tank Malling Celebrity
1993 The Punk Rachel's Father
1995 Sinderella Live Prince Charming
2004 Sinderella Comes Again Prince Charming
2008 Telstar: The Joe Meek Story Larry Parnes
2011 Zero Lottery Presenter
2012 Run for Your Wife Piano Player Cameo
2016 Mob Handed The Judge
2024 Somebody's Daughter TBA

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1959 ITV Television Playhouse Barnie Day Episode: "Rock-a-Bye Barnie"
1959 Probation Officer Lofty Episode: 1.8
1959 The Four Just Men Carl Willett Episode: "Panic Button"
1960 Someone Who Cares Ricky TV film
1960 The Odd Man Cliff 3 episodes
1961 Dixon of Dock Green Mike Jarrod Episode: "The Burn-Up"
1962 No Hiding Place Johnny Burrows Episode: "The Front Man"
1963 Armchair Theatre Bell Hop Episode: "The Paradise Suite"
1963 The Human Jungle Danny Pace Episode: "The Flip Side Man"
1965 Who Is Mary Morison? Bobby TV film
1965 No Hiding Place Mick Episode: "A Fistful of Trouble"
1967 Thirty-Minute Theatre Davo Episode: "The Gun"
1970 From a Bird's Eye View Clem Tiptree 2 episodes
1970 Softly, Softly: Task Force David Marks Episode: "Who Wants Pride...?"
1976 Space: 1999 Mark Sanders Episode: "The Lambda Factor"
1978 Crossroads Philip Bailey 3 episodes
1983 Are You Being Served? Mr. Walpole Episode: "Memories Are Made of This"
1984 The Body in the Library Raymond Starr All 3 episodes
1996 Bodger and Badger Mr. Jelly Episode: "Here Comes Smarty Pants!"
2005 Last of the Summer Wine Walker Episode: "Who's That Mouse in the Poetry Group?"
2018 Last Laugh In Vegas Himself All 5 episodes
2020 Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Adam West Episode: "Adam West"
2022 Doctors Alan Yates Episode: "Safe Pair of Hands"

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jess Conrad (born Gerald Arthur James; 24 February 1936) is an English and singer who achieved fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a teen idol in both music and . Born in , , he began his career as a repertory and extra before transitioning to , recording hits such as "," "This Pullover," "," and "Pretty Jenny" for labels including Decca, Columbia, Pye, and . In , Conrad appeared in notable films like (1961), Konga (1961), Cool It Carol! (1970), and : The Story (2008), as well as television roles including Raymond Starr in Miss Marple: (1984). He has been married to Renee Bergman since 1963 and has two children. Later in his career, Conrad focused on charity work, particularly in Majorca, which earned him the Officer of the (OBE) in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours. He continues to perform and released the Jess For You: The Definitive Collection in 2019.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Jess Conrad was born Gerald Arthur James on 24 February 1936 in , a district in , . He grew up in a working-class family amid the hardships of post-war , where and reconstruction shaped daily life in the late 1940s and 1950s. Details about his parents and any siblings remain limited in public records, reflecting the private nature of his early family life. However, as a child in , he was immersed in the vibrant local culture, including music halls and theatre performances that were staples of working-class entertainment during the era. From a young age, Conrad showed an early fascination with American rock 'n' roll, captivated by its energy as heard on radio broadcasts from stations like and seen in Hollywood films that reached British audiences. This transatlantic influence, blending with upbeat melodies, played a key role in forming his interests and would later contribute to his development as a charismatic on stage.

Initial Interests and Training

Conrad's interest in the was sparked during his formative years in , where the vibrant local culture and family circumstances fueled his ambition to enter . Growing up in a working-class environment amid post-war , he sought opportunities beyond traditional paths, viewing entertainment as an escape and a means of self-expression. After completing his secondary education at local schools in without pursuing university-level studies, Conrad enrolled in an drama school to formally train in acting. To finance his education, he worked on his father's flower stall at , balancing manual labor with intensive lessons in performance techniques and . This period marked his initial structured immersion into , honing skills in and delivery that would define his versatile career. In the mid-to-late , Conrad transitioned to practical experience by joining companies in provincial , in the 1950s. He performed in small-scale plays across regional venues, taking on minor roles that allowed him to refine his timing, voice projection, and audience interaction under the rigors of weekly repertory schedules. These performances in towns outside provided essential seasoning, exposing him to diverse audiences and the demands of live . Complementing his stage work, Conrad sought exposure in film during the same era, appearing as an uncredited extra in several late British productions. These background roles, often in crowd scenes or walk-ons, offered early glimpses of the cinematic world and helped him acclimate to the pace of on-set filming, building poise under the scrutiny of cameras and directors. Such unassuming beginnings solidified his resolve, bridging his theatrical training with the visual medium before any professional breakthroughs.

Music Career

Debut and Chart Success

Conrad's entry into the music industry stemmed from his early theatre work in repertory companies, which paved the way for his casting as a pop singer in the 1959 television play Rock-A-Bye Barney. This role drew the attention of producer Jack Good, leading to guest spots on popular music programs such as Oh Boy!, Wham!, and Boy Meets Girl, and ultimately securing a with in 1960. His debut single, "Cherry Pie," released in April 1960, peaked at No. 39 on the UK Singles Chart, marking a modest start but generating initial buzz around Conrad as a stylish British rock 'n' roll heartthrob with a signature look of greased-back hair and leather jackets. Conrad achieved his breakthrough with the 1961 single which climbed to No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart and remained there for 10 weeks, cementing his status as a teen idol in the pre-Beatles pop landscape. This success was followed by further releases, including "This Pullover" in late 1961 and "Pretty Jenny" in 1962, the latter reaching No. 50 and contributing to his growing appeal among young audiences during the early 1960s.

Key Recordings

Jess Conrad's recordings primarily encompassed upbeat pop-rock, featuring a mix of covers of 'n' roll standards and original compositions tailored for the British teen market. Between 1960 and 1966, he released approximately 14 singles, predominantly on Decca and later Columbia and Pye labels, often backed by orchestras like Johnny Keating and His Orchestra. His style leaned toward energetic, lighthearted interpretations that blended rock influences with middle-of-the-road pop accessibility. Among his notable early singles were "Cherry Pie" b/w "There's Gonna Be a Day" (Decca F11236, 1960), a cover of the Marvin and Johnny original that marked his debut and peaked at No. 39 on the charts; "Mystery Girl" b/w "The Big White House" (Decca F11315, 1961), an original that became his biggest hit, reaching No. 18; and "Pretty Jenny" b/w "You Can Do It If You Try" (Decca F11511, 1962), peaking at No. 50. Other key releases included covers like "Every Breath I Take" (Decca F11394, 1961, originally by ), "This Pullover" (Decca F11348, 1961, originally by Gianni Meccia), and "As You Like It" b/w "It's About Time" (Decca F11620, 1963, the latter tied to his TV work). His sole original studio album, Jess For You (Decca LK4390, 1961), compiled hits and B-sides such as "Walk Away," "Why Am I Living?," and "Mystery Girl," showcasing his vocal range in a polished pop-rock format. Post-1960s output was sparse, with occasional singles like "Hurt Me" b/w "It Can Happen to You" (Pye 7N15849, 1965) and "The Other Side of Life" b/w "See the Tinker Ride" (President PT269, 1969), but no major albums followed. Later contributions included appearances on compilation albums and charity-related tracks in the 1980s and 2000s, reflecting a shift toward nostalgic revivals rather than new material.

Acting Career

Early Film Roles

Conrad's entry into cinema occurred in 1959 with an uncredited appearance as a youth in the drama , directed by Terence Young, where he portrayed a member of a rowdy group in a coffee bar scene. This minor role marked his screen debut amid the burgeoning British youth culture films of the late 1950s. He quickly followed with supporting parts in comedies such as Friends and Neighbours (1959), playing Buddy Fisher opposite , and (1959), as Bimbo in a Lance Comfort-directed adaptation. These early credits, often as energetic young characters, aligned with his emerging persona. In 1960, Conrad secured a small but notable role as a rock star in the satirical musical Expresso Bongo, directed by and starring as a scheming agent exploiting a young performer. The film critiqued the music industry, providing Conrad an apt showcase for his real-life singing talents. His rising chart success with singles like in 1961 further propelled his casting as a teen idol in subsequent productions. By this period, he had also appeared in adventure films such as The Bandit of Zhobe (1959), as a . Conrad achieved breakthrough leading roles in the early 1960s, frequently embodying rebellious youth in gritty British social dramas reminiscent of the New Wave movement. In Sidney J. Furie's The Boys (1962), he starred as Barney Lee, a hot-headed young offender on trial for robbery and murder, alongside and ; the film explored and received praise for its raw courtroom realism. He followed with the starring role of petty criminal Jo Shane in Lance Comfort's Rag Doll (1961, released as Young, Willing and Eager in the US), a crime drama about a troubled girl's descent into London's underworld. Other key credits included Konga (1961), as aspiring scientist Bob Kenton in the , and a cameo in Cliff Richard's The Young Ones (1961). Transitioning to international cinema, Conrad starred as playboy Barry Wilson in the Greek comedy Aliki My Love (1963), directed by and co-starring , where he inherits an island estate amid romantic entanglements. This marked his first major overseas production. By 1965, he had amassed approximately 15 film appearances, blending pop star cameos with dramatic portrayals of wayward adolescents, solidifying his image as a heartthrob in youth-oriented narratives.

Television and Stage Work

Conrad began his television career with guest spots on prominent British music programs in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He appeared as a performer on the influential rock 'n' roll series Oh Boy! in 1959, produced by Jack Good, alongside contemporaries like Billy Fury and Joe Brown. His rising popularity as a pop singer led to multiple performances on Top of the Pops during the 1960s, where he showcased hits such as "Cherry Pie" and "Pretty Jenny." These early music television outings, building on his initial film extra roles, helped transition Conrad into more dramatic acting opportunities. A notable dramatic television role came in 1963 when Conrad portrayed Danny Pace, a troubled pop star grappling with paranoia and identity issues, in the episode "The Flip Side Man" of the psychological series The Human Jungle. Later highlights include his appearance as the suave bandleader Raymond Starr in the 1984 adaptation of Agatha Christie's : The Body in the Library. In 1993, he played Rachel's father in the short drama The Punk, directed by Michael Sarne. Conrad also featured as himself in the 2018 ITV comedy special Last Laugh in Vegas, joining fellow veteran entertainers like and for a Las Vegas showcase. More recently, he appeared as Alan Yates in the Doctors in 2022, and took leading roles in the films Somebody's Daughter (2024) and Mantopus! (2025). On stage, Conrad amassed over 50 credits across , musicals, and productions emphasizing comedy and song. He frequently performed in pantomimes from the to the , taking leading roles such as in various Cinderella productions, including the bawdy Sinderella alongside and in 1995. Additional stage work encompassed charity theatre tours and musicals like Godspell (1973) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1981), where he played the title role of Joseph at the .

Recognition and Later Career

Awards and Honors

Jess Conrad's contributions to entertainment and charity were formally recognized through several notable honors, though he did not receive major accolades specifically for his film or television work. Early in his music career, he was voted England's Most Popular Male Singer in the 1961 New Musical Express () annual poll, surpassing contemporaries like and . In recognition of his extensive charitable efforts within the entertainment industry, Conrad was appointed Officer of the (OBE) in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours. This honor highlighted his long-standing support for causes benefiting performers and communities, including through show business fraternities. Later in his career, Conrad served as King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats in 2013, the highest elected position in this historic for professionals, succeeding . This role underscored his enduring influence and commitment to the variety and music sectors in the .

Post-1970s Activities

Following his peak in the , Jess Conrad shifted toward character acting roles in the and , appearing in films such as (1972), a horror thriller directed by Pete Walker in which he portrayed a young involved in a seaside theater production plagued by murders. He also took on guest spots in popular television series, including an appearance as Mr. Walpole in the Are You Being Served? (1983 episode ""). During this period, Conrad embraced family-oriented stage work, performing in annual Christmas pantomime seasons across the UK, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the in (1986–1987), where he played the Prince alongside Julie-Anne Hunter. These roles allowed him to connect with audiences through lighthearted, interactive performances that highlighted his enduring charisma. In the and , Conrad continued with cameo appearances in stage productions, notably as in the adult-oriented Sinderella Live (1995), a nationwide tour starring and . His career reflections culminated in the publication of his autobiography From Blitz to Glitz: The Autobiography of Jess Conrad OBE in 2024, which chronicles his journey from post-war to showbusiness stardom, including behind-the-scenes insights into his music, , and endeavors. The book, co-authored with Simon Withington, emphasizes his resilience and contributions to entertainment over seven decades. As of 2025, Conrad remains active in media and public engagements, having featured in the ITV reality series Last Laugh in Vegas (2018), where he joined fellow veteran entertainers like Anita Harris and Bobby Crush to perform in Las Vegas showrooms, showcasing his song-and-dance skills at age 82. Retrospective coverage of his early television work, such as his role as pop singer Danny Pace in the ITV series The Human Jungle (1963–1965), has appeared in entertainment outlets, highlighting its influence on British drama. He continues to participate in fan events and interviews, maintaining his "oldest teenager" persona through discussions of his OBE award (investiture in 2011 for services to charity) and nostalgic performances that celebrate his rock 'n' roll legacy, including recent social media posts.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Jess Conrad had brief romantic relationships in the with fellow performers during his early career, but none resulted in long-term commitments prior to his . He met Renee Bergman, a Dutch model known as the "Miss " from television commercials, around 1960-1961 while both were aspiring in the industry; she even portrayed his girlfriend in a TV advertisement shortly after their introduction at a following his debut single "." The couple married on 31 August 1963 in a private ceremony in Renee's hometown, keeping the union secret initially to preserve Conrad's image as an for his teen fanbase. As of 2025, their marriage has endured for over 62 years, which Conrad has described in interviews as a testament to mutual affection, humorously noting that "the secret... is because we’re both in love with the same man," referring to his own vanity. Conrad and Renee have two daughters together: Sasha, born in October 1965, and Natalie, born in 1969. Additionally, Conrad has a son and another daughter from two earlier relationships, though he has spoken of reconnecting with them later in life. The family has remained a stable anchor for Conrad, with Renee providing consistent support throughout his professional ups and downs.

Philanthropy and Residence

Conrad has been involved in charitable since the early days of his , serving as player and manager of the Showbiz Eleven football team to support various causes, including the Entertainment Circle of Friends and the . In the , he participated in events such as a 1983 television performance benefiting the Stuart Henry Fund. He also assisted in organizing annual golf tournaments in Majorca for eight years, raising nearly two million euros for local children's charities. These efforts, along with broader support for children's hospices and entertainment industry initiatives, earned him the Officer of the (OBE) in the 2011 Queen's for services to charity. Conrad resides in , , with his wife Renee, to whom he has been married since 1963; the couple relocated there around 2023 after over six decades in a home purchased in 1961. They lead a low-profile lifestyle in their garden home, making occasional trips to for social events. As of 2025, at age 89, Conrad experiences minor age-related issues but remains active, regularly posting on and showing no publicized major illnesses; his enduring marriage to Renee has supported this stable phase of life.

References

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