Jack Watson

Tall, rugged, red-haired character actor whose heavily lined face suggested a hard life. Started in show biz with his father, 'Nosmo King' (qv) (real name Vernon Watson), as half of a music hall double act. Later worked as a monologuist and impersonator in radio. During the Second World War, he served as petty officer in the Royal Navy. An unlikely comedian during the first half of his career, he became a stalwart character actor in films of the 1960's and 70's, generally utilised as by-the-book police inspectors (_Peeping Tom (1960)_ (qv), _Konga (1961)_ (qv), or gruff, laconic soldiers (_The Hill (1965)_ (qv), _Tobruk (1967)_ (qv)). An avid sportsman in real life, he was effectively cast as Len Miller, captain of a Rugby League team, in 'Lindsay Anderson' (qv)'s _This Sporting Life (1963)_ (qv). He also impressed in the villainous role of corrupt police officer Quince in _The Strange Affair (1968)_ (qv).Watson's career was rejuvenated in the 1970's, with strong parts in television, particularly as the star of _The Rebellious Red Gauntlets (1970)_ (qv) and as Llud, right hand man to 'Oliver Tobias' (qv), in _Arthur of the Britons (1972)_ (qv). He also made sporadic appearances on _Coronation Street (1960)_ (qv) and _Z Cars (1962)_ (qv). A man of few pretensions, Watson rejected offers from Hollywood, and remained firmly rooted to British screens.::I.S.Mowis