John Leyton
Biography
John Leyton is a retired English singer and actor who built a following in the early 1960s as both a pop star and a screen performer. Born in Frinton-on-Sea, he trained in drama after national service, funding his studies with small film and television parts. His first major role came in a 1960 Granada adaptation of Biggles, which brought him a devoted young fan base. His manager, Robert Stigwood, pushed him toward record producer Joe Meek, and the single Johnny Remember Me topped the UK chart in 1961, followed by Wild Wind at number two. Acting kept him busy through the decade: he appeared in The Great Escape (1963), Guns at Batasi (1964), Von Ryan's Express (1965) and Krakatoa, East of Java (1968), and led the espionage series Jericho from 1966 to 1967. Later came ITV's The Nearly Man, a return to touring with the Solid Gold Rock'n'Roll Show in the 1990s, and a small role in Telstar (2009).
90years old
Turns 91 on February 17in 129 days
- Born Frinton-on-Sea
- Star sign: AquariusThe sign runs January 20 to February 18
- Also credited as John Dudley Leyton
Movie Career
- Films
- 5
- Career span
- 13 years1963 to 1976
Every film, newest first
- 1976SchizoIMDb rating 5.8
- 1968Krakatoa, East of JavaIMDb rating 5.5
- 1965Von Ryan's ExpressIMDb rating 7.1
- 1964Guns at BatasiIMDb rating 7.1
- 1963The Great EscapeIMDb rating 8.2
Genres
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First role
Leyton's first major acting role was Ginger in a 1960 Granada TV adaptation of Biggles. Playing that part won him many young female admirers and a John Leyton fan club was formed.
Big break
After Biggles, manager Robert Stigwood persuaded Leyton to audition as a singer for producer Joe Meek, leading to his recording career.
A change of course
In 1964, according to music journalist Bob Stanley, Leyton was the headline act on a tour with the Rolling Stones as an up and coming support act. When the Stones quickly proved more popular, Leyton gave up his pop career right away to concentrate on acting.
John Leyton movies on Netflix
Worked with
John Leyton shares two films with Richard Attenborough, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Richard Attenborough's page
Donald Pleasence's page
Charles Bronson's page
James Coburn's page
James Garner's page
Trevor Howard's page
All films by John Sturges
Mark RobsonDirector, 1 film, 1965
All films by Mark Robson
Bernard L. KowalskiDirector, 1 film, 1968
All films by Bernard L. Kowalski
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.