Paul Danquah

Paul Danquah, born Joseph Paul Walcott (25 May 1925 – 13 August 2015), was a British film actor, known particularly for his role in the film A Taste of Honey, adapted from the 1958 play of the same name written by Shelagh Delaney. He later became a barrister and a bank consultant. His father was the Ghanaian statesman J. B. Danquah.

Life and career He was born Joseph Paul Walcott in London, England, where he grew up. His mother, Bertha May Walcott, was English, and his father Joseph Boakye "J.B." Danquah was a Ghanaian politician and traditional aristocrat; Paul was the eldest of his many children from two marriages and various relationships.

Danquah studied law and was called to the bar at the Inner Temple, as well as in Ghana and in Washington, D.C. He subsequently worked as a consultant with the World Bank until his retirement in 1986,

While still a student, Danquah made his acting debut in the British film A Taste of Honey (1961), featuring in the role of Jimmy. He shared a kiss with his co-star Rita Tushingham, which she claims was the first interracial kiss on screen. A review in The New York Times noted: "Paul Danquah in his movie debut as the Negro sailor, is gentle and subtle in a small but demanding role". He presented the BBC Two television series Play School in 1965 and is reported to have been the first black presenter of a children's programme in the UK.

Painter Francis Bacon lived with Danquah and Danquah's partner Peter Pollock (19 November 1919 – 18 July 2001) During this period, in late 1961, Danquah arranged for Don Bachardy to draw Bacon. Danquah moved with Pollock to Tangier, Morocco, in the late 1970s.

Danquah died in Tangier on 13 August 2015 at the age of 90; according to his niece Meri Nana-Ama Danquah, he was buried in Boubana Cemetery, beside Peter Pollock, as he had requested in his will.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1961 A Taste of Honey Jimmy Directed by Tony Richardson 1966 That Riviera Touch Hassim Morecambe and Wise comedy directed by Cliff OwenUncredited 1967 Maroc 7 Police Officer Directed by Gerry O'Hara 1967 Smashing Time 2nd Exquisite Directed by Desmond Davis(final film role)

Television Year Title Role Notes 1965 Armchair Theatre Flecker Series 5, episode 17: "A Voice in the Sky" 1965 Danger Man James Owen Series 2, episode 22: "Parallel Lines Sometimes Meet" 1965 Play School Himself Presenter 1966 Danger Man Cleaner Series 3, episode 6: "The Mercenaries" 1966 Danger Man Barman Series 3, episode 12: "The Man on the Beach" 1966 The Avengers Lieutenant Razafi Series 4, episode 16: "Small Game for Big Hunters"