Menu
04/12/2009
Dam Buster Star Todd Dies
The actor Richard Todd - best known for his role in the classic war film The Dam Busters - has died at the age of 90.
Todd, renowned for his role in the 1954 epic, was also a war hero in his own right.
Born in Dublin in 1919, he was one of the first British soldiers to parachute into France on D-Day. He served as an officer in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry as well as serving as a paratrooper in the British 6th Airborne Division.
A spokesman for his family said he died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday at his home near Grantham in Lincolnshire.
She said in a statement: "He had been suffering from cancer, an illness that he bore with his habitual courage and dignity. His family were with him throughout."
Earlier this year he celebrated his 90th birthday with a quiet gathering near his home.
In his heyday, Richard Todd was one of British cinema's biggest box office draws.
The role with which he was forever associated was that of Wing Commander Guy Gibson in The Dam Busters.
It told of the development of the bouncing bomb used during Operation Chastise to destroy the Ruhr dams in Germany.
Todd was also the first choice of author Ian Fleming to play James Bond, but because of other commitments he had to turn it down.
The role went to Sean Connery. His other film roles include Robin Hood in Robin Hood and his Merrie Men and he continued to act well into his 80s.
(LB/BMcc)
Todd, renowned for his role in the 1954 epic, was also a war hero in his own right.
Born in Dublin in 1919, he was one of the first British soldiers to parachute into France on D-Day. He served as an officer in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry as well as serving as a paratrooper in the British 6th Airborne Division.
A spokesman for his family said he died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday at his home near Grantham in Lincolnshire.
She said in a statement: "He had been suffering from cancer, an illness that he bore with his habitual courage and dignity. His family were with him throughout."
Earlier this year he celebrated his 90th birthday with a quiet gathering near his home.
In his heyday, Richard Todd was one of British cinema's biggest box office draws.
The role with which he was forever associated was that of Wing Commander Guy Gibson in The Dam Busters.
It told of the development of the bouncing bomb used during Operation Chastise to destroy the Ruhr dams in Germany.
Todd was also the first choice of author Ian Fleming to play James Bond, but because of other commitments he had to turn it down.
The role went to Sean Connery. His other film roles include Robin Hood in Robin Hood and his Merrie Men and he continued to act well into his 80s.
(LB/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2012
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
13 October 2003
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
29 November 2010
UK Industry Bankrolls Inbound Films
An increase in National Lottery funds and an emphasis on funding from within the UK movie industry itself are to bankroll the British Film Institute (BFI) as it assumes the former international marketing role of the UK Film Council (UKFC).
UK Industry Bankrolls Inbound Films
An increase in National Lottery funds and an emphasis on funding from within the UK movie industry itself are to bankroll the British Film Institute (BFI) as it assumes the former international marketing role of the UK Film Council (UKFC).
10 February 2009
Todd Lifestyle 'Damaged Reputation Of British Policing'
A report investigating the death of Greater Manchester Police chief Michael Todd has concluded his personal life has damaged the reputation of British policing. The report found there was "significant potential for compromise" to his position as chief constable, however extra-marital affairs he conducted did not impact on his ability to do the job.
Todd Lifestyle 'Damaged Reputation Of British Policing'
A report investigating the death of Greater Manchester Police chief Michael Todd has concluded his personal life has damaged the reputation of British policing. The report found there was "significant potential for compromise" to his position as chief constable, however extra-marital affairs he conducted did not impact on his ability to do the job.
28 November 2003
Film Council study finds post-production sector generates £1.4b for UK economy
British film industry creative and technical expertise has helped to generate £1.39 billion and 15,000 jobs in the UK economy, a major new report published by the Film Council has revealed.
Film Council study finds post-production sector generates £1.4b for UK economy
British film industry creative and technical expertise has helped to generate £1.39 billion and 15,000 jobs in the UK economy, a major new report published by the Film Council has revealed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
