Rupert Baker(I)
- Actor
Rupert Baker was born in Folkestone, Kent following his parents' return
from a mission field in Nigeria. His father was a doctor and his mother
a teacher. He grew up in Deal and, later, the Weald of Kent. At 15, he
moved to Hythe, Kent where his love of acting grew during his frequent
trips to the local cinema, The Ritz, where he chain-smoked through
endless double bills and collected old film posters donated by the
Manager, Don Blythe. Due to dyslexia, Rupert was unable to become a
pilot in the RAF. He showed talent in art and drama at an early age.
Although he considered a career in graphic design and painting, Rupert
decided to become an actor. He trained at Webber Douglas Academy of
Dramatic Art 1979-82, where he attained a Diploma with Merit. He also
studied with celebrated drama coach Jack Waltzer, lifetime member of
New York's Actor's Studio. To make ends meet, Rupert used his artistic
skills to produce storyboards and graphic design work in the early
years of his acting career.
