Douglas Sheldon

Douglas Sheldon

Actor/author/singer Douglas Sheldon began his screen career with a tiny role in The Guns of Navarone (1961). Born in Stepney, London, in 1936, he earned a living at his father's fairground in his teens, as a barker and bingo caller. Acting for him opened up as a possible profession following his military service, when he was chosen for a tiny part in The Guns of Navarone. He'd had some acting training as a boy, and the film put him on to a performing career, mostly in small stage roles. His resemblance to a young Marlon Brando or John Derek made him stand out amid supporting players, and his singing career (as Doug Sheldon) began as something of an offshoot of his acting -- he was seen on-stage by composer/manager Bunny Lewis, who got Sheldon a recording contract that resulted in his charting three singles in England in 1962 and 1963. By that time, however, the Beatles had broken through to chart success, and Sheldon's brand of pop/rock vocalist was decidedly out of favor. By 1965, he had returned to acting full-time. His screen credits included episodes of Doctor Who, the David Lean epic Ryan's Daughter (1970), and Iron Eagle II (1988). During the 1980s, he turned to writing fiction. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide