Ray Smith (actor)

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Ray Smith (1 May 1936 - 15 December 1991) was a Welsh actor who found fame playing the tough talking police chief, Detective Superintendant Gordon Spikings, in the hit TV show, Dempsey & Makepeace.

Smith was born in Trealaw in the Rhondda valley but lived for most of his later adult life in Dinas Powys. He had a busy and successful career as a versatile classical actor appearing in many stage productions as well as frequent British film and TV roles, although real celebrity came very late in his life through his Spikings character. He had also featured as Detective Insp. Firbank on the long-running British TV series Public Eye. Although better remembered for his tough hard man roles, Ray was also well capable of displaying sensitivity and tenderness in his roles if required.

Ray Smith died at Llandough Hospital after a major heart attack in 1991 at the age of 55.

[edit] TV Roles and Filmography