Ray Lonnen facts for kids

Raymond Stanley Lonnen (born May 18, 1940 – died July 11, 2014) was an English actor. He was famous for acting on stage and in TV shows. Some of his most well-known roles were Willie Caine in the spy drama The Sandbaggers (1978–80). He also played Harry Brown in the TV mini-series Harry's Game (1982).

Early Life and First Steps in Acting

Ray Lonnen was born in Bournemouth, England. Back then, Bournemouth was part of Hampshire county. He went to Stourfield School and the Hampshire School of Acting. When he was 19, he got his first acting job. This was at a theatre in Belfast.

After that, he acted in many plays. These plays were in different English towns and cities, like York. He first appeared on television with John Alderton. This was in a show called Emergency – Ward 10.

Ray Lonnen's TV Career Highlights

Ray Lonnen started his TV career with small parts. He appeared in shows like Mrs Thursday (1966) and The Power Game (1966). He was also in Market in Honey Lane (1967). In 1971, he had a small role in the movie Zeppelin.

He played a character named Brum G in The Guardians in 1971. From 1972 to 1975, he had a regular role in Z-Cars. He played Detective Sergeant Terry Moffatt. Later, he became a Detective Inspector in the same show until 1977.

In 1973, Ray Lonnen appeared in Doctor Who. He played a character named Gardiner in the episode "Frontier in Space". He also played a gangster in an episode of Public Eye in 1975.

Lonnen was chosen for a main role in The Sandbaggers. This was an ITV spy drama about the Cold War. He played Willie Caine, also known as "Sandbagger One." Because of this role, he couldn't film the last series of Z-Cars. The Sandbaggers was on TV for three seasons in 1978 and 1980.

After The Sandbaggers, Lonnen starred in Hammer House of Horror in 1980. Then, in 1982, he got another main role. This was in the ITV mini-series Harry's Game. He played Harry Brown, a British agent. His character was sent to Northern Ireland to find an assassin.

In 1984, Lonnen starred in another spy show called The Brief. He played a British lawyer who went to Germany. His job was to defend a British soldier accused of spying. He also acted in the 1985 thriller movie Murder Elite.

Throughout the 1980s, Lonnen also had guest roles. He appeared in shows like The Gentle Touch and Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected. He was also in Lovejoy and a French film called Mangeuses d'Hommes in 1988.

In 1990, Lonnen played Detective Inspector Alex Vale. This was in the ITV detective show Yellowthread Street. The show was set in Hong Kong and ran for 13 episodes.

During the 1990s, Lonnen continued to appear in TV shows. He also voiced characters in the children's cartoon Budgie the Little Helicopter. In 2001, he had a recurring role in the police series The Bill. He also appeared in the Canadian sci-fi show Starhunter. Later, he had a recurring role in the TV soap opera Crossroads.

Stage Performances

From the 1960s, Ray Lonnen performed in many plays. These included dramas, comedies, and musicals. Some of his stage roles were in Under Milk Wood (as the Narrator) and Same Time, Next Year. He also performed in Run for Your Wife and Wonderful Town. Other notable plays include Guys and Dolls and Rebecca.

Personal Life and Family

Ray Lonnen was married three times. His first wife was Jean Conyers. Then he married actress Lynn Dalby. They had three children together. His third wife was actress Tara Ward.

His Passing

Ray Lonnen passed away at his home in London. He died on July 11, 2014, at the age of 74. He had been battling cancer. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.

Partial Filmography

• Zeppelin (1971) - Sgt. Grant
• Action at Dog Island (1972)
• Murder Elite (1985) - Ron Price