Sam Kydd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Kydd
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| Born |
Samuel John Kydd
15 February 1915 Belfast, Ireland
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| Died | 26 March 1982 (aged 67) London, England
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1945–1982 |
| Spouse(s) |
Pinkie Barnes
(m. 1952) |
| Children | Jonathan Kydd |
Samuel John Kydd (born February 15, 1915 – died March 26, 1982) was a famous British actor. He was known for his many roles in movies and TV shows. Sam Kydd appeared in over 290 films, which is more than any other British actor! He was especially famous for his parts in two big British TV series in the 1960s: Crane and Orlando. He also had a recurring role in the popular show Coronation Street.
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Early Life and War Experience
Sam Kydd was born in Belfast, Ireland, on February 15, 1915. His father was an army officer. When Sam was a child, his family moved to London. He went to Dunstable School in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.
Before he became an actor, in the mid-1930s, Sam worked as an MC (Master of Ceremonies) for the Oscar Rabin Band. He would warm up the audience with jokes, impressions, and tap dancing before the main show began.
A Prisoner of War
In the late 1930s, Sam joined the Territorial Army. When World War II started, he was called up for active service. He went to France with the British army, but he was captured early in the war.
Sam spent the rest of the war, about five years, as a prisoner of war in a camp called Stalag XX-A. This camp was in German-occupied Poland. While he was there, Sam took charge of the camp's theater group. He created and put on plays for the other prisoners. He loved this work so much that when he was offered a chance to go home after three years, he said no! He wanted to keep helping with the plays. Because of his important work, the Red Cross gave him a special award: two drama masks made from barbed wire.
After the war, Sam wrote a book about his experiences as a POW. It was called For You the War Is Over.
Acting Career
When Sam returned to Britain after the war, he tried out for a film called The Captive Heart. This movie was about life in a prison camp. Since Sam had so much experience as a POW, he got a part in the film. He even helped advise the filmmakers!
Sam Kydd went on to have an amazing career. He appeared in more than 290 films and over 1,000 TV shows. He often played characters who were strong and tough, especially working-class Londoners called "Cockneys".
Famous Films
Some of his well-known films include:
- The Blue Lamp
- Father Brown
- The 39 Steps
- I'm All Right Jack
- The Cruel Sea
- Sink the Bismarck!
- Reach for the Sky
- The Hound of the Baskervilles
He also appeared in the movie versions of popular TV shows like Dad's Army and Till Death Us Do Part.
Popular TV Shows
In 1963, Sam Kydd became very popular playing Orlando O'Connor, a friendly smuggler, in the TV series Crane. This show was watched by over 16 million people every week! Sam's character was so loved that when Crane ended, he got his own show. It was called Orlando, and it was an adventure series for children. It ran for 126 episodes!
Sam also appeared in many other TV shows, such as:
- The Adventures of Robin Hood
- Dixon of Dock Green
- Minder
- Crossroads
- Coronation Street (where he played Frankie, the father of a character named Mike Baldwin)
- Follyfoot
In 1974, Sam Kydd was the special guest on the TV show This Is Your Life, where he was surprised by the host, Eamonn Andrews.
Personal Life
Sam Kydd married Pinkie Barnes. She was a very talented table tennis player who was a World Doubles Finalist in 1948. She was also one of Britain's first women to work as an advertising copywriter. Their son, Jonathan Kydd, followed in his father's footsteps and also became an actor.
Sam Kydd passed away on March 26, 1982, at the age of 67, due to health issues. His son, Jonathan, has edited four books of his father's memories.
