
Person
John Leyton
Acting · Born 1939-02-17 · Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England, UK
Biography
John Dudley Leyton (born 17 February 1936) is an English actor and singer. Leyton as a singer is best known for his hit song "Johnny Remember Me" (written by Geoff Goddard and produced by Joe Meek), which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in August 1961 despite being banned by the BBC for its death references. His follow-up single, "Wild Wind", reached number two in the charts. Alongside singing, Leyton's acting career saw him appearing in television and films throughout the 1960s. His films included The Great Escape, Guns at Batasi, Von Ryan's Express and Krakatoa, East of Java. In 2009 he also had a small role in the film Telstar, a biopic based on Joe Meek's life in which Leyton himself was portrayed by Callum Dixon.
Known for

The Great Escape
Willie 'Tunnel King'

Ready Steady Go!
Self

Jericho
Nicholas Gage

Von Ryan's Express
Lt. Orde

Colour Me Kubrick
Lord Charles Benson

I'm All Right Jack
Recruit to Detto (uncredited)

The Nearly Man
Brian Griffin

Krakatoa, East of Java
Rigby

Jukebox Heroes
Self

Danger Within
POW (uncredited)
Filmography
- 2013A Life in the Death of Joe MeekSelf
- 2008Telstar: The Joe Meek StorySir Edward
- 2005Colour Me KubrickLord Charles Benson
- 2001Jukebox HeroesSelf
- 1991The Very Strange Story of the Legendary Joe MeekHimself
- 1981Baby TalkSteve
- 1981Dangerous Davies: The Last DetectiveDave Boot
- 1976SchizoAlan Falconer
- 1974The Nearly ManBrian Griffin
- 1969Krakatoa, East of JavaRigby
- 1966JerichoNicholas Gage
- 1966The IdolTimothy
- 1965Every Day's a HolidayGerry Pullman
- 1965Von Ryan's ExpressLt. Orde
- 1964Guns at BatasiPrivate Wilkes
- 1963Ready Steady Go!Self
- 1963The Great EscapeWillie 'Tunnel King'
- 1962It's Trad, Dad!Himself
- 1960BigglesGinger
- 1959I'm All Right JackRecruit to Detto (uncredited)
- 1959Danger WithinPOW (uncredited)
- 1959The Captain's TablePassenger Watching Beauty Contest (uncredited)
- —The Unexpected Return of Mr. MeekSelf
Follow their work on Vescene
Rate films and shows on two axes — quality and fun — and share taste with friends.