Stefan Kalipha facts for kids

Stefan Kalipha (born Stephen Siegfried Behrendt in 1940) is a British actor who was born in Trinidad. He started acting around 1970 and has been in many movies and TV shows. He is known for playing different characters, like Ramon in the movie Cuba (1979). He also appeared as Hector González, a character in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only (1981). Stefan Kalipha also played Buldeo in The Jungle Book (1994).

Early Life and Education

Stefan Kalipha was born Stephen Siegfried Behrendt in Trinidad in 1940. He grew up in Port of Spain, the capital city. His family background is a mix of Indian, African, Portuguese, and German heritage.

Growing Up with Creatives

He spent his childhood with his cousin, Horace Ové, who became a famous filmmaker. His best friend, Mustapha Matura, also became a well-known writer. In 1959, Stefan moved to England. There, he studied acting at the East 15 Acting School. He later chose to use his grandfather's name, Kalipha, as his stage name.

Acting Career Highlights

Stefan Kalipha has had a long career in acting, appearing in many different types of productions. He has worked in television, movies, and on stage.

Television Roles

In 1970, Stefan Kalipha played a character named Casey in a TV drama called Callan. This role was about a young Black man in London facing challenges. In 1977, he was Reverend Henry Paul in a TV show pilot called Meadowlark. This show was a comedy set in Brixton, but it was never shown on TV.

He also played Stanley in a 1985 BBC TV show based on a play by his friend, Mustapha Matura. He performed this role again on stage in Chicago in 1988. Later, in 1992, Kalipha had a regular role as Jonathan Phelps in the series Prime Suspect. In 2015, he appeared as Tobias in the show The Bastard Executioner.

Film Appearances

Stefan Kalipha is well-known for his role as Hector Gonzalez in the 1981 James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. In this film, his character pretends to be a pilot with a dangerous plan. In 1983, he was a Data School Instructor in Superman III. He also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989 as a tank gunner. Other notable film roles include Wali Dad in The Crucifer of Blood (1991) and Buldeo in The Jungle Book (1994).

Stage Performances

Stefan Kalipha has also performed in plays. In 1977, he played Ahmed in a play called Mecca in London. His character was a helpful tour agent dealing with problems among tourists in Morocco.

Personal Life

Stefan Kalipha lives in Primrose Hill, a neighborhood in London.