Richard Todd

 
Quote: I have no idea why but acting was in my blood. God knows how I managed it, but none of it was spilled in the war.

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British leading man who achieved some success in American films. Born in Ireland as the son of a British officer, Todd grew up in Devon and (for a brief time) in India.

His interest in theatre led him to small roles in stock in England and Scotland and three tiny film roles, following which he helped found the Dundee Repertory Theatre in 1939.

Todd enlisted soon after the outbreak of war and entered Sandhurst in late 1940. He served with distinction as a paratrooper in the Second World War.

After the war Todd tried out for the Dundee Repertory Company and his career was launched.

He was Ian Fleming's outright choice to play James "007" Bond in the film Dr. No. Todd had to turn down the role due to scheduling conflicts.

In his autobiography states that he became extremely affected after filming the final scene of the Dambusters where his character goes to write letters to the families of the men he has lost, Todd having done this for real in World War II.