Errol John
(1924-1988), Playwright and actorSitter in 1 portrait
Trinidadian-born actor and playwright, John founded an amateur dramatics group in his hometown before moving to London to pursue an acting career. Finding only minor roles to begin with, he had a major career breakthrough when cast in BBC's A Man from the Sun (1956), this followed to a lead role of Othello at the Old Vic Theatre (1962). His play Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (1958) won him The Observer's prize for best new playwright (1957) and a Guggenheim fellowship (1958). His other plays included The Tout (1966) and Force Majeure, The Dispossessed, Hasta Luego: Three Screenplays (1967). He also wrote for television and continued acting on stage and in films such as The African Queen (1951) and Guns at Batasi (1964).
by Unknown photographer, for BBC
bromide press print, 1958
NPG x199240
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