Peter Gilmore

John Peter Gilmore (25 August 1931 – 3 February 2013), known as Peter Gilmore, was an English actor in television, film, and stage musicals, known for his portrayal of Captain James Onedin in 91 episodes of the BBC television period drama The Onedin Line (1971–1980).

Early life Born in Leipzig, Germany, and brought up in Nunthorpe, North Riding of Yorkshire, Gilmore left school at the age of 14 and started pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. In 1952, he attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art preparatory school Parada for a short time before being expelled. While undertaking his National Service his singing talent was noticed and after the Army he appeared in touring musicals. a cast recording was issued on CBS. His final stage role was Lloyd Dallas in the 1987 national tour of the original production of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off. After achieving prominence in the long-running role of James Onedin, Gilmore felt he had become typecast as the rugged sea captain.

Gilmore had roles in 11 Carry On films and appeared in many British films including The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery (1966), Oh! What a Lovely War (1969), The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) and Warlords of Atlantis (1978). He later appeared in a Doctor Who serial Frontios (1984) in which he played a character called Brazen. Gilmore also appeared in a Heartbeat episode, called "The Frighteners", during the Nick Berry era; his third wife, actress Anne Stallybrass was a regular in the series.

Personal life Gilmore married three times: to actress Una Stubbs (1958–1969), with whom he adopted a child; to Jan Waters (1970–1976); and to actress and former Onedin Line colleague, Anne Stallybrass (1987–2013), who survived him.

Gilmore died in London on 3 February 2013, aged 81. He was survived by his third wife (Stallybrass), and a son, Jason, adopted during his first marriage.

Selected filmography

Master Spy (1963) – Tom Masters Carry On Cabby (1963) – Dancy Bomb in the High Street (1963) – Shorty Carry On Jack (1963) – Patch, Pirate Captain, aka Roger Every Day's a Holiday (1964) – Kenneth Carry On Cleo (1964) – Galley Master I've Gotta Horse (1965) – Jock You Must Be Joking! (1965) Carry On Cowboy (1965) – Henchman Curly Doctor in Clover (1966) – Len the choreographer The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery (1966) – Butters Don't Lose Your Head (1966) – Citizen Robespierre The Jokers (1967) – Man at Party Follow That Camel (1967) – Captain Humphrey Bagshaw Carry On Doctor (1968) – Henry Carry On Up the Khyber (1968) – Private Ginger Hale Oh! What a Lovely War (1969) – Private Burgess Carry On Again Doctor (1969) – Henry My Lover My Son (1970) – Barman Carry On Henry (1971) – King Francis of France The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) – Dr. Kitaj Freelance (1971) – Boss Warlords of Atlantis (1978) – Charles Aitken The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987) – Kevin O'Nell Carry On Columbus (1992) – Governor of the Canaries