George Woodbridge (actor)
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- For the American illustrator, see George Woodbridge.
George Woodbridge (16 February 1907 - 31 March 1973) was a British character actor in films and television from the 1930s to the 1970s. Born in Exeter, Devon, his ruddy-cheeked complexion and Devonshire accent meant he would often be found playing innkeepers, policemen or yokels, most prominently in horror and comedy films.
Making his film debut in 1940 in The Big Blockade, he went on to appear in films such as Green for Danger (1946), The Fallen Idol (1949), The Queen of Spades (1949), An Inspector Calls (1954) and Richard III (1955).
His horror film appearances include: Dracula (1958), The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958), Jack the Ripper (1959), Flesh and the Fiends (1959), The Curse of the Werewolf (1960), Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1965), The Reptile (1966) and Doomwatch (1972). He also appeared in two M.R. James adaptations on television, in the Mystery and Imagination episode "Room 13" and the Omnibus episode "Whistle and I'll Come".
His jovial manner lent itself to comedy films as well, including An Alligator Named Daisy (1955), Three Men in a Boat (1956), Two Way Stretch (1960), Raising the Wind (1961), What a Carve Up! (1961), Only Two Can Play (1962), Nurse on Wheels (1963), Heavens Above! (1963), Carry On Jack (1963) and Up Pompeii (1971).
He also appeared as the sergeant in the Stryker of the Yard featurettes during the 1950s.
He first appeared on television before the Second World War, and went on to feature in popular series such Adam Adamant Lives!, Armchair Theatre, Benny Hill, Dixon of Dock Green, The Forsyte Saga, The Persuaders! and Softly Softly.
He gained popularity late in his career as the titular puppet-maker in the children's TV show Inigo Pipkin. Unfortunately, he died five weeks into the filming of the second series, an occurrence which was dealt with in the programme's storyline. The series continued for another seven years however under the title, Pipkins.
