Jess Conrad

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Jess Conrad (born Gerald James, 24 February 1936, Brixton, London) is an actor and singer from England. He was popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a number of minor hits to his credit, "Cherry Pie", "This Pullover", "Mystery Girl" and "Pretty Jenny". Since then his live performances have continued to be popular, with an ovation in 2005 at the London Palladium when sharing a bill with Eden Kane,John Leyton, Marty Wilde and others.

During the late 1950s and in to the mid 1960s Conrad appeared in a number of cult films, namely The Boys, Rag Doll, Kill 1 and Konga. He also featured in a cameo role in the Sex Pistols film The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle.

1 Musical success
2 Television and film
3 In the 2000's
4 External links

[edit] Musical success

Conrad starred in many musicals throughout the 1970s and 1980s, his acclaimed portrayal of 'Jesus' in Godspell led to his landing the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat when it first ran in the West End, he was the first successful Joseph and toured with the show for nine years. He has also appeared in many rock operas and pantomimes as well as mainstream acting tours. He has also been a member of the Showbiz Football XI and managed the celebrity team for many years. Conrad struck up a working relationship with comic Jim Davidson after appearing in his infamous adult panto Sinderella and featured as 'the voice of viagra' on Davidson's The Generation Game for BBC Television.

[edit] Television and film

His most notable recent appearance was in an episode of the BBC daytime show, Escape to the Country. During this programme, Conrad often referred to himself in the third person and likened himself to (tongue-in-cheek) James Bond. In fact he was screen-tested for the role of James Bond in 1968, though the role eventually went to George Lazenby. Today he divides his time between homes in England and Spain where he can often be found playing in celebrity golf matches and appearances in concerts and cabaret. He shows no sign of retiring saying how much he enjoys performing. He has been married to wife Renee for over forty years.

[edit] In the 2000's

On 4 November 2007 Conrad appeared in the Icons of the Sixties show at the Theatre Royal in Windsor with Craig Douglas, John Leyton, plus The Tornados with original member Clem Cattini on drums and singer/writer Graham Hunter hosting and providing backing vocals.

In April 2008 Conrad can be seen in the new British film Telstar - The Joe Meek Story, written and directed by Nick Moran and starring Kevin Spacey. Conrad plays the 1960s pop music guru, Larry Parnes and the role of Jess Conrad is played by Eastenders actor Nigel Harman.

In March 2008 he appeared on BBC2 in Escape To The Country.