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John Leyton

Feb 17, 1939 (86 years old) in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England, UK

John Dudley Leyton (born 17 February 1936) is an English actor and singer.

Leyton as a singer is best known for his hit song "Johnny Remember Me" (written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek), which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in August 1961 despite being banned by the BBC for its death references. His follow-up single, "Wild Wind", reached number two in the charts.

Alongside singing, Leyton's acting career saw him appearing in television and films throughout the 1960s. His films included The Great Escape, Guns at Batasi, Von Ryan's Express and Krakatoa, East of Java. In 2009 he also had a small role in the film Telstar, a biopic based on Joe Meek's life in which Leyton himself was portrayed by Callum Dixon.

Known For

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Ready Steady Go!
Self
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The Great Escape
Willie 'Tunnel King'
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Jericho
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Von Ryan's Express
Lt. Orde
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Jukebox Heroes
Self
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Krakatoa, East of Java
Rigby
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Guns at Batasi
Private Wilkes
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Colour Me Kubrick
Lord Charles Benson
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Telstar: The Joe Meek Story
Sir Edward
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Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective
Dave Boot

Credits