John Antony Townley (6 November 1912 â€" 27 September 1984), known
professionally as Toke Townley, was an English actor.Townley was born
on 6 November 1912 in Great Dunmow, Essex (although some sources say
The Rodings, another village nearby). His father was a vicar and he
was christened John Townley, but his first name was then changed by
his parents to the surname of an ancestor. After he left school he
worked as a clerk in industry, acting in his spare time. He did not
become a professional actor until his early 30s, first appearing at
Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He appeared in many BBC television
programmes during the early pioneering days at Alexandra
Palace.Between 1951 and 1970, in the heyday of the British studios,
Townley appeared in almost thirty films, including Lady Godiva Rides
Again, Doctor at Sea, The Quatermass Xperiment, The Admirable
Crichton, Carry on Admiral, Doctor in Distress and Scars of Dracula.He
went on to appear in many film and television roles over the years,
including The Avengers. He was also an accomplished flautist and
played the instrument on screen.
professionally as Toke Townley, was an English actor.Townley was born
on 6 November 1912 in Great Dunmow, Essex (although some sources say
The Rodings, another village nearby). His father was a vicar and he
was christened John Townley, but his first name was then changed by
his parents to the surname of an ancestor. After he left school he
worked as a clerk in industry, acting in his spare time. He did not
become a professional actor until his early 30s, first appearing at
Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He appeared in many BBC television
programmes during the early pioneering days at Alexandra
Palace.Between 1951 and 1970, in the heyday of the British studios,
Townley appeared in almost thirty films, including Lady Godiva Rides
Again, Doctor at Sea, The Quatermass Xperiment, The Admirable
Crichton, Carry on Admiral, Doctor in Distress and Scars of Dracula.He
went on to appear in many film and television roles over the years,
including The Avengers. He was also an accomplished flautist and
played the instrument on screen.
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