Patrick Jordan
Albert Patrick Jordan was a British stage, film and television actor.
Biography
He was born and raised in Harrow, Middlesex, the son of Margaret, a cook, and Albert Jordan, a regimental sergeant major. An accident while playing bows and arrows with his two brothers left him with a distinctive scar on his right cheek. He made his stage debut in a 1946 Old Vic production of Richard II at the New Theatre, which was directed by Ralph Richardson and featured Harry Andrews and Alec Guinness. With Old Vic he went on to perform in other Shakespearean plays, including Coriolanus and The Taming of the Shrew, in the last of which also appeared Renée Asherson. Jordan remained friends with Asherson and Guinness.
Jordan's screen roles included several war films, including The Battle of the River Plate, The Longest Day, The Heroes of Telemark, Play Dirty, and Too Late the Hero. He is perhaps best remembered for his uncredited speaking role as Imperial Officer Cass, an aide to Grand Moff Tarkin, in Star Wars, a role secured for him by Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jordan was offered the choice of either a guaranteed fee for his role, or a small share of the film's royalties. As he was dubious about the film's prospects, he opted for the former, a decision which he later regretted in light of the film's immense success. Jordan's television appearances included Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), ; Minder; Angels; Terry and June; Shine on Harvey Moon; Poirot; Crossroads; and The Bill. He retired in 1995.
Personal life
Jordan was married to illustrator Margery Gill from 1946 until her death in 2008. They had two daughters, Tessa and Ros. From 1969, he and his wife lived in Alpheton, Suffolk, where he died on 10 January 2020, at the age of 96. He was survived by his elder daughter, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Selected filmography
Stryker of the Yard Face the Music – Policeman #1 River Beat – Bert FisherEight O'Clock Walk - Prison Warden The Diamond – First Fox & Hounds Detective The Embezzler – Police Sergeant Companions in Crime Stock Car – JackThe Gilded Cage – Sergeant MillerThe Flaw - Oliveri's Friend at the ClubNo Smoking – ReporterIt's a Great Day – PolicemanCloak Without Dagger – Captain WillisThe Battle of the River Plate – Signalman, Aft-Conning, HMS Exeter The Secret Place – Constable The Man Upstairs – Injured SergeantThe Angry Hills – BlueyThe Giant Behemoth – Photo Lab Aide Sink the Bismarck! – Agent in Norway The League of Gentlemen – Sergeant Man Detained – BrandEmergency – Jimmy Regan Rag Doll – WillsThe Frightened City – Frankie FarmerThe Longest Day – As British Soldier, Lt. Richard Todd speaking with Maj. John Howard The Amorous Prawn – Sergeant at GuardIn Search of the Castaways – Ayerton Hijacker Two Dilemma – Inspector MurrayThe Marked One – Inspector MayneThe Informers – 1st Inspector The Victors – Tank SergeantDelayed Flight – CarterA Place to Go – Police officer Joey Boy – Real Military Policeman Bunny Lake Is Missing – PolicemanThe Heroes of Telemark – HenrikWhere the Bullets Fly – RussianYou Only Live Twice – Hong Kong Policeman #1 Gold Is Where You Find It – Insp. O'ReganPlay Dirty – Maj. Alan WatkinsThe Last Escape – Maj. Griggs Too Late the Hero – Sergeant MajorPerfect Friday – Bank GuardMan of Violence – Mentobar CaptainAssault – Sgt. MiltonThe Salzburg Connection – Richard BryantPaganini Strikes Again – JonesThe Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella – Prince's GuardThe Pink Panther Strikes Again – DetectiveStar Wars – Imperial Officer Siward Cass Lifeforce – Communications Officer