Geoffrey Bayldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey Bayldon
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Bayldon in 2009
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Albert Geoffrey Bayldon
7 January 1924 Leeds, England
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| Died | 10 May 2017 (aged 93) Leeds, England
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1952–2010 |
Albert Geoffrey Bayldon (born January 7, 1924 – died May 10, 2017) was a talented English actor. He was best known for playing the magical wizard Catweazle in the popular children's TV series Catweazle (1969–1970). He also played the Crowman in Worzel Gummidge (1979–1981) and the friendly Magic Grandad in the BBC show Watch (1995).
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Early Life and Training
Geoffrey Bayldon was born in Leeds, England. He went to Bridlington School and later studied at Hull College of Architecture. After serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II, he discovered his love for acting. He performed in amateur plays before training at the famous Old Vic Theatre School.
A Career in Acting
Geoffrey Bayldon had a long and successful acting career. He performed in many plays, including those in London's West End and with the RSC. He also appeared in many films and television shows.
Film Roles
Bayldon appeared in several films during the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his notable movie roles include King Rat (1965) and To Sir, with Love (1967). He even played Q in the James Bond film Casino Royale (1967). He also appeared in The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976).
He was also in some horror films like Dracula and Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed. In 2004, he appeared in the film Ladies in Lavender.
Television Highlights
Geoffrey Bayldon is most remembered for his television work, especially for children's shows.
Catweazle: The Magical Wizard
His most famous role was playing the title character in Catweazle. Catweazle was a grumpy but lovable wizard from the 11th century who accidentally travels through time to the present day. He often gets into funny situations as he tries to understand modern technology.
Other Popular TV Characters
Bayldon also played the mysterious Crowman in the popular children's series Worzel Gummidge. The Crowman was a wise, magical character who looked after the scarecrows. Later, he became known as Magic Grandad in the BBC children's show Watch, where he taught young viewers about history and different topics.
Doctor Who Connection
Fans of Doctor Who might know that Geoffrey Bayldon was one of the first actors offered the role of the Doctor in 1963. Although he didn't take the part then, he later made a guest appearance in the show as Organon in The Creature from the Pit (1979). He also played an alternative First Doctor in some audio plays.
Other TV Appearances
Bayldon appeared in many other popular TV shows throughout his career. These include The Avengers (1961 and 1967), Z-Cars (1963, 1968), and Space: 1999 (1976). He was also in Tales of the Unexpected (1980, 1983) and The Chronicles of Narnia (1989). His final television appearances were in New Tricks (2007) and My Family (2010).
Later Life and Passing
Geoffrey Bayldon passed away on May 10, 2017, at the age of 93. He left behind a wonderful legacy of memorable characters, especially those that brought joy to children.
Images for kids
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Geoffrey Bayldon in 2009.
