Robert Rowland(1928-2010)

Robert 'Bob' Rowland is a true Londoner and an old school gentleman. Born in the East End he tried his hand at a number of vocations and has enjoyed a varied and generally successful career. A former amateur boxer, Robert has worked as a waiter and a cocktail barman in many of London's most exclusive hotels (including the Dorchester, the Savoy and the prestigious Carlton Club). He also completed 'The Knowledge' and worked for many years as a London black cab driver. Bob fell into acting in the mid-sixties, and used to queue up outside Pinewood Studios in the hope of getting work as an extra. He wound up featuring in many TV shows, including (much to his amusement) an early episode of Doctor Who (1963). After numerous shoots as a walk-on extra he was given a speaking part in the Leslie Norman directed TV series Gideon C.I.D. (1964). The conversation with actor John Gregson was only a very small part but Bob thoroughly enjoyed his big moment on camera. Bit parts and extra work in films soon followed and Bob had the honour of working with stars such as Gregory Peck, Christopher Lee, Joss Ackland and Sophia Loren.

In the early hours of the morning on the 20th August 2010 Robert Rowland passed away peacefully in his sleep.