Dursley McLinden

Dursley James McLinden (29 May 1965 – 7 August 1995) was a British actor.

Early life McLinden was born on 29 May 1965 in Douglas, Isle of Man. At the age of 8, he made his first stage appearance at Willaston School, playing the dame in Dick Whittington. Aged 16, he left his home in Douglas and became the youngest student to be admitted to the Mountview Theatre School in Crouch End, where he trained as an actor. From 1992 until his death in 1995, he was a member of the company of The Phantom of the Opera, performing in the ensemble and understudying (and sometimes performing as) Raoul. As a result, he raised money for West End Cares, the theatrical arm of AIDS charity Crusaid. Alongside his close friends Jill Nalder and Jae Alexander, McLinden frequently performed in fundraising cabaret nights at Smith's restaurant in Covent Garden. The actor continued working up until a few weeks before his death. His final performance as Raoul in Phantom came the night before his 30th birthday; he was hospitalised after the performance.

Legacy The lead character of Ritchie Tozer (Olly Alexander) in the 2021 AIDS drama It's a Sin was inspired by McLinden. It's A Sin writer Russell T Davies met McLinden through mutual friend Jill Nalder. The series also contains a direct tribute to McLinden, by way of Ritchie appearing in a fictional Doctor Who story, where he plays the character Trooper Linden.

McLinden is the subject of a 2024 documentary made for the Blu-ray box set Doctor Who: The Collection — Season 25, entitled "Looking for Dursley", which explores his life and career.

Other appearances Mr. Bean Shoe Salesman in Mr. Bean Goes To Town 1991 After Henry Edward in "Party Politics" 1990 Just Ask for Diamond 1988 aka Diamond's Edge Tim Diamond The Diamond Brothers: South by South East Tim Diamond Doctor Who – Remembrance of the Daleks 1988; Sgt Mike Smith