Quick Facts
Born:
1939-02-17
Birthplace:
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England, UK
Credits:
23 Total Roles
John Leyton
Acting
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Biography
John Dudley Leyton (born 17 February 1936) is an English actor and singer.
Leyton as a singer is best known for his hit song "Johnny Remember Me" (written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek), which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in August 1961 despite being banned by the BBC for its death references. His follow-up single, "Wild Wind", reached number two in the charts.
Alongside singing, Leyton's acting career saw him appearing in television and films throughout the 1960s. His films included The Great Escape, Guns at Batasi, Von Ryan's Express and Krakatoa, East of Java. In 2009 he also had a small role in the film Telstar, a biopic based on Joe Meek's life in which Leyton himself was portrayed by Callum Dixon.
Leyton as a singer is best known for his hit song "Johnny Remember Me" (written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek), which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in August 1961 despite being banned by the BBC for its death references. His follow-up single, "Wild Wind", reached number two in the charts.
Alongside singing, Leyton's acting career saw him appearing in television and films throughout the 1960s. His films included The Great Escape, Guns at Batasi, Von Ryan's Express and Krakatoa, East of Java. In 2009 he also had a small role in the film Telstar, a biopic based on Joe Meek's life in which Leyton himself was portrayed by Callum Dixon.
Known For
The Great Escape
Willie 'Tunnel King'
Von Ryan's Express
Lt. Orde
Colour Me Kubrick
Lord Charles Benson
I'm All Right Jack
Recruit to Detto (uncredited)
Krakatoa, East of Java
Rigby
Schizo
Alan Falconer
Telstar: The Joe Meek Story
Sir Edward
Guns at Batasi
Private Wilkes
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | A Life in the Death of Joe Meek MOVIE | Self |
| 2008 | Telstar: The Joe Meek Story MOVIE | Sir Edward |
| 2005 | Colour Me Kubrick MOVIE | Lord Charles Benson |
| 2001 | Jukebox Heroes TV | Self |
| 1991 | The Very Strange Story of the Legendary Joe Meek MOVIE | Himself |
| 1981 | Baby Talk MOVIE | Steve |
| 1981 | Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective MOVIE | Dave Boot |
| 1976 | Schizo MOVIE | Alan Falconer |
| 1974 | The Nearly Man TV | Brian Griffin |
| 1969 | Krakatoa, East of Java MOVIE | Rigby |