Roy Stewart

Roy Stewart
Born (1925-05-15)May 15, 1925
Jamaica
Died October 27, 2008(2008-10-27) (aged 83)
London, England
Occupation actor
Years active 1959 - 1981

Roy Stewart (15 May 1925 – 27 October 2008), originally from Jamaica, began his career as a stuntman and went on to work in film and television, at a time when there were few working black actors.

In 1954 founded Roy Stewart's Gym in Powis Square, North Kensington, and ran the Caribbean club and restaurant the Globe, in Talbot Road until his death. Stewart played Quarrel Junior in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973). Other film appearances include Carry On Up the Jungle (1970), Leo the Last (1970), Games That Lovers Play (1971), Twins of Evil (1971), Lady Caroline Lamb (1972), Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers (1977) and Arabian Adventure (1979). He was also active on television, with credits including: Out of the Unknown, Adam Adamant Lives!, Doctor Who (in the serials The Tomb of the Cybermen and Terror of the Autons), Doomwatch, Up Pompeii!, The Troubleshooters, Space: 1999 and I, Claudius.

Background

One of seven brothers, Roy Stewart was born in Jamaica, and came to Britain in 1948 with aspirations of being a doctor. But it was either theatre or a television commercial changed that.[1][2]

Having suffered for some time from heart disease, Stewart died on October 28, 2008 aged 83.[3]

Film and television career

In a role, possibly his earliest, Stewart appeared in a television advert for Fry's Turkish Delight, playing a snake charmer. Later he did parts as extras in films as well as stunt work.[4] He would become one of the top black actors and stuntman in Britain.[5]

Film

Possibly his earliest role was an uncredited one, playing a slave in the 1959 film, The Mummy.[6] In 1973, he played the part of Quarrel Junior in the James Bond film Live and Let Die starring Roger Moore.[7] Having not been back to Jamaica where the film was being shot, Stewart suffered in the heat and couldn't believe the changes that had taken place over the years.[8] He would become one of the top black stuntmen and actors in Britain.[9]

One of his last roles in film was as Pomeroy in Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective, a made-for-television movie.[10]

Television

He appeared in Dr. Who at least twice. He played Toberman in The Tomb of the Cybermen and Tony in Terror of the Autons.[11]

Television commercials

Business interests

Stewart ran a basement gymnasium at 32A Powis Square, Kensington, west London which was opened in 1954.[14][15] It had the policy of allowing all races to train there. Some actors trained there too, one of them David Prowse would go on to play Darth Vader in the film Star Wars. The Gymnasium also had a dual purpose. It was also an off-license after hours drinking club.[16] By 1964, Stewart had been convicted four times for selling liquor without a license.[17] He also ran a nightclub in Bayswater. Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison and Bob Marley were some of the patrons.[18]

The Globe

In the 1960s he opened a Caribbean restaurant and bar called the Globe.[19] The Globe, formerly Bajy’s was located at 103 Talbot Road.[20][21] Jimi Hendrix was reportedly seen there the night before his death in September 1970.[22][23] Stewart kept running the place until he died in October 2008.[24] The Globe still functions to this day and is one of longest running nightclubs in London. It also has a Caribbean restaurant upstairs.[25]

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ The Guardian Wednesday 4 February 2009 Roy Stewart, One of the most prolific black actors of his day - Gavin Gaughan
  2. ↑ Murder in Notting Hill By Mark Olden Page 19
  3. ↑ '"Get West London 13 November 2008 Obituary: Tributes for 'flamboyant' gym owner
  4. ↑ Murder in Notting Hill By Mark Olden Page 19
  5. ↑ James Bond FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Everyone's Favorite Superspy By Tom DeMichael Quarrel: The Portrayals
  6. ↑ Imdb Roy Stewart (II) (1925–2008), Filmography
  7. ↑ James Bond FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Everyone's Favorite Superspy By Tom DeMichael Quarrel: The Portrayals
  8. ↑ Goldeneye: Where Bond Was Born: Ian Fleming's Jamaica By Matthew Parker Page 317
  9. ↑ James Bond FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Everyone's Favorite Superspy By Tom DeMichael Quarrel: The Portrayals
  10. ↑ IMdb Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective (1981 TV Movie), Full Cast & Crew
  11. ↑ itzcaribbean Actor Roy Stewart Passes
  12. ↑ Murder in Notting Hill By Mark Olden Page 19
  13. ↑ '"Get West London 13 November 2008 Obituary: Tributes for 'flamboyant' gym owner
  14. ↑ Murder in Notting Hill By Mark Olden Page 19
  15. ↑ The Guardian Wednesday 4 February 2009 Roy Stewart, One of the most prolific black actors of his day - Gavin Gaughan
  16. ↑ Murder in Notting Hill By Mark Olden Page 19
  17. ↑ Policing Notting Hill: Fifty Years of Turbulence By Tony Moore Page 114
  18. ↑ The Guardian Wednesday 4 February 2009 Roy Stewart, One of the most prolific black actors of his day - Gavin Gaughan
  19. ↑ The Guardian Wednesday 4 February 2009 Roy Stewart, One of the most prolific black actors of his day - Gavin Gaughan
  20. ↑ Portobello film festival Portobello film festival 2006, Counter Culture Portobello Psychogeographical History by Tom Vague.
  21. ↑ All Saints Road 1968 - 1969, The Mangrove and Troubled Times
  22. ↑ Colville Community Forum Talbot Road
  23. ↑ All Saints Road 1968 - 1969, The Mangrove and Troubled Times
  24. ↑ itzcaribbean Actor Roy Stewart Passes
  25. ↑ All In London The Globe, 103 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London
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