Michael Ward (actor)
Michael Ward was an English character actor who appeared in nearly eighty films between 1947 and 1978.
Early life
Ward was born in Carnmenellis in Cornwall, to clergyman William George Henry Ward and his wife Annie. He originally trained and worked as a teacher but then retrained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and won his first film role in 1947, playing Mr Trafford in Alexander Korda's An Ideal Husband.
Career
In between the years 1947 and 1960, Ward appeared in no fewer than 30 films, making him one of the UK's busiest and most recognisable character actors.
As well as five Carry On films, Ward also appeared in four Norman Wisdom films and six made by the Boulting brothers.
In the early 1960s television started to take over Ward's career, and until his retirement in 1978 he appeared in The Jack Benny Programme, The Avengers, The Morecambe and Wise Show, Dixon of Dock Green, The Two Ronnies, Armchair Theatre, Rising Damp and Sykes.
After making what would be his last ever screen outing in 1978's Revenge of the Pink Panther, Ward suffered a stroke which forced him to retire. By 1986, he was unable to walk. He died on 8 November 1997 at St Mary's Hospital in London. He was 88. Ward was an extremely complicated character and never really recovered from the death of his mother in the late 60s. He was also gay which caused him a lot of problems. Ward was a very sensitive man and needed to be reassured regularly.
Selected films
An Ideal Husband – Mr. Tommy TaffordCalling Paul Temple – Passer-by Saraband for Dead Lovers – Sleeping Car to Trieste – ElvinOnce a Jolly Swagman – Artist at Chelsea Party The Queen of Spades – Officer in the Gaming Room Stop Press Girl – Hairdressers Manager Marry Me! – Minor Role Helter Skelter – News Reader – Pianist at Ball High Jinks in Society – WatkinsSo Long at the Fair – Pilkington What the Butler Saw – GeraldTony Draws a Horse – Photographer Trio – Undetermined Secondary Role No Trace – WigmakerSeven Days to Noon – Cast Member Lilli Marlene – WintertreePool of London – Pianist The Galloping Major – Blimpish Character Life in Her Hands – Ralph Chelsea Story – Chris FawcettCheer the Brave Calling Bulldog Drummond – Appointment with Venus – Senior Clerk's AssistantTom Brown's Schooldays – MasterHigh Treason – Music Club Member Blind Man's Bluff – Jewellers AssistantWhispering Smith Hits London – Reception Clerk13 East Street – BarmanThe Happy Family – BBC AnnouncerSong of Paris – WatersonThe Frightened Man – Cornelius HartThe Tall Headlines – DentistEmergency Call – RobertoTread Softly – Alexander MayneStreet Corner – Jewellery Salesman The Fake – Art SalesmanTrouble in Store – WilburThe Love Lottery – Hotel ReceptionistJosephine and Men – BohemianMan of the Moment – PhotographerLost – Mantilla Private's Progress – Sidney Jumping for Joy – Pertwee The Intimate Stranger – Costume Designer Up in the World – MauriceBrothers in Law – PhotographerJust My Luck – CranleyCarlton-Browne of the F.O. – Hotel Manager The Ugly Duckling – PascoI'm All Right Jack – ReporterThe Rough and the Smooth – HeadwaiterFollow a Star – Bit Role Doctor in Love – Dr. FlowerCarry On Regardless – PhotographerMary Had a Little... – HunterA Pair of Briefs – Judge's Dresser Carry On Cabby – Man in TweedsFather Came Too! – Man at AuctionCarry On Cleo – ArchimedesThe Big Job – UndertakerCarry On Screaming! – Mr VivianWhere the Bullets Fly – MichaelCarry On Don't Lose Your Head – HenriSmashing Time – Elderly Shop OwnerFrankenstein and the Monster from Hell – Transvest Man About the House – Mr. GideonRevenge of the Pink Panther – Real Estate Agent