Wissenswertes

Chairman of the Royal Theatrical Fund from 1985.

Son of a travelling scrap metal dealer.

In 1970 he started making the film Capri for Ken Annakin with Michael Gough, Karen Dotrice and Zena Walker but finance for it ran out.

Studied acting at the Italia Conti Stage School and made his theatrical debut in the 1939 musical 'Where the Rainbow Ends'. Wartime service with the RAF. On Broadway from 1950, then mostly screen work. From the 1960's, active on the West End stage, frequently in plays by Terence Rattigan, John Osborne or George Bernard Shaw.

Originally cast in the character role of "Prof. Travers" in Doctor Who (1963): "The Invasion". However, the part was thought to be too small for an actor of Watling's stature, so the character was renamed "Prof. Watkins" and given to Edward Burnham.

Youthful-looking actor in post-war British films, often as smooth or shifty small-time crooks, later in leading roles.

Appeared in the short film The Imperfect Gentleman (1955).

Got his part in The Birthday Present after Leslie Phillips' contract was bought by MGM who wanted him for Les Girls.

Son Giles played Commander Gideon's son in the tv series Gideons Wat.