Milton Reid

Milton Gaylord Reid (born Milton Rutherford Reid; 29 April 1917 – c. 1987) was an Anglo-Indian actor and professional wrestler. He had a lengthy career as a character actor in British films and television, usually playing thugs and other supporting villains.

Biography

Early life Reid was born and raised in Bombay in 1917, the son of a Scottish Customs and Excise inspector and an Indian woman. His distinctive appearance was due to Noonan syndrome. He moved to London in 1936, and served in the Army during World War II. As a soldier, he made his film debut as an extra in The Way Ahead (1944).

Wrestling career After being discharged, Reid’s large stature and intimidating appearance saw him take up a career as a professional wrestler, using the ring names Jungle Boy and The Mighty Chang, fighting Bert Assirati. The former ringname was later adopted by American wrestler Jack Perry; the latter by 1980’s British wrestler Crusher Mason.

Film career Reid appeared in over 53 films and television programmes from 1953 to 1979.

As an actor, Reid was known for playing thugs, henchmen and brutes, He accepted non-sexual roles in a several of hardcore porn films starring Millington, including Arabian Knights, shot in London in 1979 and released by Color Climax.

Later life and disappearance Reid’s association with Millington and his appearance in pornographic films hurt his mainstream acting career, particularly after a scathing article published in the Sunday People. Largely ostracised by the British film industry, Reid returned to India in 1980 to try his hand at Bollywood cinema, reuniting with his mother and sister in Bangalore, while leaving his wife Bertha behind in England. In 1981, he was arrested for trespassing and damaging property on his neighbour’s flat.

Reid supposedly died of a heart attack in Bengaluru in 1987, his son was still receiving written correspondence from him in 1986. His death is something of a mystery due to the conflicting dates of death and also because he died in relative obscurity in India.

The year of Reid's death 1987, wrestler Brian Allan "Crusher" Mason (1945-2000) used the Mighty Chang name on ITV. Mason also appeared as Mighty Chang for S4C's Reslo wrestling show.

Filmography

Undercover Girl (1958) – Mac, thug with beard The Camp on Blood Island (1958) – Japanese Executioner (uncredited) Blood of the Vampire (1958) – Executioner Ferry to Hong Kong (1959) – Yen, Sing-Up's Partner Swiss Family Robinson (1960) – Big Pirate The Terror of the Tongs (1961) – Guardian (uncredited) Visa to Canton (1961) – Bodyguard The Wonders of Aladdin (1961) – Omar Captain Clegg (1962) – Mulatto Dr. No (1962) – Dr.No's Guard (uncredited) Panic (1963) – Dan 55 Days at Peking (1963) – Boxer (uncredited) The Ten Gladiators (1963) – Baldhead Wrestler A Stitch in Time (1963) – The Mighty Chang in Photograph (uncredited) Desperate Mission (1965) – To-go Deadlier Than the Male (1967) – Chang Casino Royale (1967) – Temple Guard (uncredited) Berserk! (1967) – Strong Man The Mini-Affair (1968) – Fisherman Great Catherine (1968) – Henchman (uncredited) The Assassination Bureau (1969) – Elevator victim Leonardi (uncredited) Target: Harry (1969) – Kemal The Best House in London (1969) – Henchman (uncredited) Rekvijem (1970) – Officer The Nameless Knight (1970) – Dev (uncredited) The Blood on Satan's Claw (1971) – Dog Handler (uncredited) Carry on Henry (1971) – Executioner (uncredited) The Horsemen (1971) – Aqqul (uncredited) Au Pair Girls (1972) – The Guard Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972) – Manservant – Cheng The Return of the Pink Panther (1975) – Japanese Restaurant Owner Adventures of a Private Eye (1978) – Bodyguard Come Play with Me (1977) – Tough The People That Time Forgot (1977) – Sabbala The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – Sandor No. 1 of the Secret Service (1977) – Eye Patch Terror (1978) – Club Bouncer What's Up Superdoc! (1978) – Louie Confessions from the David Galaxy Affair (1979) – Eddie Arabian Adventure (1979) – Jinnee Queen of the Blues (1979) – Ricky Arabian Knights (1979) – Servant Westcountry Tales (1981) – The Monster (final film role)