Stanley Baker
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| Stanley Baker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 February 1927 Ferndale, Rhondda Valley, Wales, UK |
| Died | 28 June 1976 Málaga, Andalusia, Spain |
Sir William Stanley Baker (February 8, 1927 - June 28, 1976), known as Stanley Baker, was a Welsh actor and film producer.
Baker was born in Ferndale, Rhondda Valley, Wales, United Kingdom. He was an actor and film producer who came to prominence in the 1950s; although he made his film debut in 1943 as a teenager in the film Undercover, his first role as an adult was in All Over the Moon (1949).
At first Baker was usually cast as a villain --- tough, gritty and fiery. These were qualities that he was considered by many to have played admirably. In private life, he was a close friend and drinking companion of another Welsh actor, Richard Burton. Both men had been taught by the same teacher at school who had encouraged their theatrical abilities. Notable among his early roles was as the unpleasant, and somewhat cowardly Bennett, in The Cruel Sea (1953).
However, he was not always a villain and did have a few more endearing roles, especially after Laurence Olivier selected him to play Henry Tudor in his 1955 movie Richard III. Perhaps one of Baker's most memorable roles was as Lieutenant John Chard VC in Zulu alongside newcomer Michael Caine. He also made an impression opposite Patrick McGoohan in Hell Drivers, as a lorry driver who wouldn't toe the line. In Joseph Losey's Pinter scripted, Dirk Bogarde starring, Accident, he gave an excellently sustained performance as Charley and in 1970's Perfect Friday, he showed his skill in comedy and romantic acting with a charming performance as Mr Graham opposite Ursula Andress.
He formed his own production company in the 1960s and produced films that included Robbery (1967) and The Italian Job (1969). Along with his production and film career Stanley Baker also appeared on the small screen including the dramas The Changeling (1974), Robinson Crusoe (1974), and also in a BBC adaptation of How Green Was My Valley (1975).
Stanley Baker came from rugged Welsh mining stock in the Rhondda Valley, but moved to London with his parents in the mid-1930s. In 1976 he was granted a knighthood, although he never lived to officially receive the honour. His busy life was cut short that same year, when he died from pneumonia following surgery for lung cancer in Málaga, Spain, aged forty-nine.
Ferndale Rugby Club in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales, have a loving tribute to Sir Stanley in the form of their new "Sir Stanley Baker Lounge". Officially opened by his widow, Lady Ellen Baker, on Friday 24 November 2006, the day's events featured a presentation to Sir Stanley's sons and family members, and a fitting and moving tribute to the man himself via speeches and tales from celebrities and various local people who knew him best. The afternoon also featured a Radio Wales tribute to Sir Stanley, hosted by Owen Money and recorded live in Ferndale RFC itself. The Sir Stanley Baker Lounge features many pictures and memorabilia from his successful career, including a beautifully made wall plaque commemorating the official opening in both English and Welsh, and is a fitting tribute to Ferndale's most famous son.
