Births on January 13

Ian Hendry, English actor (d. 1984)

Ian Mackendrick Hendry (13 January 1931 – 24 December 1984) was a distinguished British actor whose prolific career left an indelible mark on both television and cinema throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his versatility and powerful screen presence, Hendry transitioned seamlessly between heroic leads and complex, nuanced character roles.

A Prolific Presence in British Television

Hendry became a familiar and celebrated figure in numerous British TV series during two pivotal decades of broadcasting. His capacity to portray compelling and diverse characters made him a highly sought-after talent, contributing to some of the era's most iconic productions.

Pioneering Lead in The Avengers

One of Ian Hendry's most iconic television roles was as the pioneering lead character, Dr. David Keel, in the groundbreaking first series of the globally acclaimed British espionage show, The Avengers (1961). He originated the dynamic partnership with Patrick Macnee's enigmatic John Steed. Hendry's portrayal of the vengeful doctor, who sought justice after the murder of his fiancée, set the initial tone for the series' unique blend of crime, espionage, and sophisticated wit. His departure after just 26 episodes was primarily motivated by his ambition to pursue opportunities in feature films, coinciding with the show's evolving format that began to focus more centrally on Steed and his new female partners.

Other Significant TV Contributions

Beyond his pivotal role in The Avengers, Hendry starred in other notable television productions. He led Police Surgeon (1960), a drama series that effectively served as a precursor to The Avengers, with Hendry playing a medical professional solving mysteries. Later in his career, he took on a compelling lead role in The Lotus Eaters (1972-1973), a BBC drama set among expatriates on the island of Crete, showcasing his range in a more introspective and dramatic setting. He also made appearances in other series such as The Gold Robbers (1969) and numerous popular anthology shows of the period.

Memorable Roles in British and International Cinema

Ian Hendry's filmography is equally impressive, marked by collaborations with renowned directors and appearances in critically acclaimed and commercially successful features. His cinematic work further demonstrated his remarkable capacity for both leading and powerful supporting roles across various genres.

The Hill (1965)

In Sidney Lumet's stark and critically acclaimed anti-war drama The Hill (1965), Hendry delivered a powerful performance as Staff Sergeant Williams. This intense film, set in a British military disciplinary camp in North Africa during World War II, saw him share the screen with acting titans such as Sean Connery, earning widespread praise for its gritty realism and profound character studies.

Repulsion (1965)

Roman Polanski's chilling psychological horror masterpiece, Repulsion (1965), featured Hendry in a crucial supporting role as Michael, the well-meaning but ultimately frustrated boyfriend of Catherine Deneuve's disturbed protagonist. His performance provided a key grounding element amidst the film's terrifying descent into madness, significantly contributing to the unsettling atmosphere of one of the seminal films of the genre.

Get Carter (1971)

Perhaps one of Ian Hendry's most widely recognized and celebrated film roles was as Eric Paice in Mike Hodges' iconic British gangster film Get Carter (1971). Playing a key figure in the Newcastle criminal underworld, Hendry's portrayal of the menacing and duplicitous Paice offered a memorable foil to Michael Caine's titular character, Jack Carter, solidifying the film's enduring status as a quintessential British cinematic classic.

Theatre of Blood (1973)

In the darkly comedic horror film Theatre of Blood (1973), Hendry reunited with horror icon Vincent Price. He played the role of Peregrine Devlin, one of the arrogant theatre critics systematically targeted by Price's vengeful actor character. Hendry's performance added a layer of both sophisticated humor and suspense to this beloved cult classic.

Ian Hendry's career, spanning over two decades, consistently highlighted his exceptional versatility as an actor, capable of embodying diverse characters ranging from heroic leads to complex villains. His extensive body of work on both the small and big screens firmly secured his place as a significant and enduring figure in British entertainment history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ian Hendry

What was Ian Hendry best known for in television?

Ian Hendry is widely recognized for his pioneering lead role as Dr. David Keel in the first series of the iconic British espionage show, The Avengers (1961). He also starred in the drama series The Lotus Eaters and the precursor show Police Surgeon.

Which major films did Ian Hendry appear in?

His notable film credits include roles in critically acclaimed movies such as Sidney Lumet's The Hill (1965), Roman Polanski's psychological horror Repulsion (1965), the quintessential British gangster film Get Carter (1971) alongside Michael Caine, and the horror-comedy Theatre of Blood (1973).

Why did Ian Hendry leave The Avengers?

Ian Hendry left The Avengers after its inaugural series primarily to pursue opportunities in feature films. Additionally, the show's format began to shift, moving away from the Dr. Keel character and focusing more on Patrick Macnee's John Steed and his new female partners.