Roy Scammell

Royston Edwin Scammell (28 July 1932 – 15 May 2021) was a British stuntman and actor.

Life and career Evacuated with his younger brother Terrence to Ridgmont, Bedfordshire during the Second World War in 1941, Scammell was educated at Ridgmont Lower School. Leaving the Annunciation Catholic School in Edgware, North London at age 13, he became a lifeguard and high-diver. However, his love for roller skating and ice-skating led to him becoming a senior ice hockey player for the Wembley Lions. In between games, he devised his own stunt act, jumping over 16 barrels in the rink, impressing the crowds and landing an audition on the Tom Arnold Ice Show before setting off around Europe with the Holiday on Ice touring show.

Being friends with Anthony Newley was beneficial to kick-starting Scammell's career. In 1948, the singer's agent saw him performing somersaults at Highgate Diving Club, leading to him being cast in a commercial followed by an appearance in the film Vice Versa (at this point, financial constraints prevented Scammell from trying out for the 1948 Olympic Games). The following year, his resemblance to Dirk Bogarde led to Scammell doubling for the star during a high-speed motorbike chase in Once a Jolly Swagman.

Filmography