Peter Gilmore


John Peter Gilmore, known as Peter Gilmore, was an English actor, known for his portrayal of Captain James Onedin in 91 episodes of the BBC television period drama The Onedin Line, created by Cyril Abraham.

Career

Born in Leipzig, Germany, and brought up in Nunthorpe, North Riding of Yorkshire, Gilmore left school at the age of 14. He had roles in eleven Carry On films, and appeared in many British films including The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery, Oh! What a Lovely War, The Abominable Dr. Phibes and Warlords of Atlantis. During his early career, he appeared in several stage musicals, including Lock Up Your Daughters and released a single, "Follow That Girl", in 1960. He played Macheath opposite Jan Waters as Polly in a 1968 production of the Beggar's Opera in London, in which both were praised for their portrayals. After achieving notice in the role of James Onedin, Gilmore felt he had become typecast as the rugged sea captain.
He later appeared in a Doctor Who serial Frontios in which he played a character called Brazen. Gilmore also appeared in a Heartbeat episode, called "The Frighteners", during the Nick Berry era; his third wife, actress Anne Stallybrass was a regular in the series.

Personal life

He married three times: to actress Una Stubbs, with whom he adopted a child; to Jan Waters ; and to actress, and former Onedin Line colleague, Anne Stallybrass, who survived him.
Gilmore quit school at the age of 14 and started pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. In 1952 he attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art preparatory school Parada for a short time before being expelled. When he joined the army he discovered that he had a talent for singing and after his discharge from the army he joined a singing group called the George Mitchell singers. They appeared in a couple of stage plays but they didn't have the success they wanted. Gilmore soon gave up singing and continued his acting.

Death

Peter Gilmore died in London on 3 February 2013, aged 81. He was survived by his third wife, and a son, Jason, adopted during his first marriage.

Selected filmography