George Pastell
George Pastell was a Cypriot character actor in British films and television programmes. Sources vary as to whether his real name was Nino or George Pastellides. His marriage record gives his name as Georgiou Pastellides while his RADA record lists his name as George Pastel.
Early life
Born to a French mother and Greek father, Pastell began his career spending two years in banking. Aged 21, he joined the Greek National Theatre. Leaving Cyprus a few years later with only £50 in his pocket, Pastell came to England, scarcely able to speak much English. However, he studied the language by taking evening classes at the Pitman School and soon graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Career
He made his film debut in Give Us This Day, credited as Nino Pastellides, and played villains in film and television. He was often cast by Hammer Film Productions as Eastern characters such as Mehemet Bey in The Mummy, the High Priest of Kali in The Stranglers of Bombay, Inspector Etienne in Maniac, and Hashmi Bey in The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb.
His exotic looks often saw him cast in spy films of the '60s such as From Russia with Love ; Licensed to Kill ; A Man Could Get Killed ; That Riviera Touch ; and Deadlier Than the Male. He also appeared in the films Tiger Bay, The Angry Hills, The Siege of Sidney Street, Konga, The Frightened City, On the Beat, The Moon-Spinners, The Long Duel and The Magus.
He also appeared as the villain in the '60s television series Danger Man; The Avengers ; Doctor Who; The Champions; The Saint; and Department S.
Music
At the suggestion of his wife, backing singer Gloria George, Pastell went into the recording business. In 1968 with his partner Alexander Dembeniotis and help from a couple of bankers, the Duboff Brothers, he took over Recorded Sound Studio to make it a more commercially viable studio. The place would go on to house consoles and equipment created by electronics engineer Rupert Neve. Pastell acted as studio manager and by 1971, the studio was renamed Nova Sound after being acquired by a group named Scotia Investments.
Personal life
Pastell had dual citizenship between the United Kingdom and United States with homes in Miami, Florida and Manhattan. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild as well as a theatrical instructor for Pasadena Playhouse. Pastell spent his final years touring the nation, performing in musical theatre with his wife.
Death
He died on 4 April 1976 from a heart attack.
Selected filmography
Adam and Evelyne - Headwaiter at Restaurant Madness of the Heart - WaiterGive Us This Day - The Lucy Moulin Rouge - Man at First Bar The Gambler and the Lady - Jacko SpinaDeadly Nightshade - Ferrari South of Algiers - HassanBlind Spot - SchriederBattle of the V-1 - ErykTiger Bay - 'POLOMA' CaptainDeadly Record - AngeloThe Angry Hills - Papa PanosThe Mummy - Mehemet BeyThe Stranglers of Bombay - High Priest of KaliBottoms Up - Swarthy ManThe Siege of Sidney Street - BrodskyKonga - Prof. TagoreThe Frightened City - SanchettiVillage of Daughters - 2nd PickpocketMasters of Venus - KallasOn the Beat - ManziniTarzan's Three Challenges - Khan Impact - Sebastian 'The Duke' DukelowManiac - Inspector EtienneFrom Russia with Love - Train ConductorThe Secret Door - AntonioThe Moon-Spinners - Police lieutenantThe Curse of the Mummy's Tomb - Hashmmi BeyDanger Man - PetelThe High Bright Sun - PrinosThe Intelligence Men - Assassin She - Haumeid Licensed to Kill - Second Russian CommisarOut of the Unknown - Major KahnA Man Could Get Killed - LazloThat Riviera Touch - AliKhartoum - Giriagis Bey Run with the Wind - LennieDeadlier Than the Male - CarloggioThe Long Duel - Ram ChandDoctor Who - The Tomb of the Cybermen, - Eric KliegThe Magus - Andreas-PriestVendetta for the Saint - Marco Ponti