
Person
John Swindells
Acting · 1931–2026 · Liverpool, England, UK
Biography
John Swindells, a Liverpool native and former student of Quarry Bank Grammar School and Liverpool College of Art, established his international career in the arts. Settled in Victoria, B.C., since 1973, he's known for leading roles across UK stages, Toronto, Canadian theatres, and even in New York and US regional theatres. His work spans television, including 65 episodes of “Z.Cars” as Sgt Ted Bowman (BBC, 1970-1973) and a role as Inspector Ted Bowman in CBC’s “Side Street” (1977-1980). He portrayed J.E.H. McDonald in CBC’s “The Passionate Canadians,” which focused on the "Group of Seven" artists. He made a guest appearance in “B.L. Stryker” (US). Swindells notably played First Technician in Stanley Kubrick's landmark film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. His biography is included in “Who’s Who in the Theatre, Contemporary Stage, Film, and Television” (1983).
Known for

2001: A Space Odyssey
TMA-1 Site Technician #1 (uncredited)

Sidestreet
Inspector Bowman

Shadows of Fear
Postman

Assault
Desk Sergeant

Passion and Paradise
Col. R.A. Erskine Lindop

The Donor
Armand Perris
Butterbox Babies
Judge Doull

The Women of Windsor
Police Instructor

Age of Innocence
Griffen

Friends, Lovers, & Lunatics
Ned
Filmography
- 1995The DonorArmand Perris
- 1995Butterbox BabiesJudge Doull
- 1992The Women of WindsorPolice Instructor
- 1989Friends, Lovers, & LunaticsNed
- 1989Passion and ParadiseCol. R.A. Erskine Lindop
- 1977Age of InnocenceGriffen
- 1975SidestreetInspector Bowman
- 1971AssaultDesk Sergeant
- 1970Shadows of FearPostman
- 19682001: A Space OdysseyTMA-1 Site Technician #1 (uncredited)
Follow their work on Vescene
Rate films and shows on two axes — quality and fun — and share taste with friends.