Colin Tapley
Biography
Colin Tapley was a New Zealand actor born on May 7, 1907, who worked in both American and British films. Before his acting career, he served in the Royal Air Force and participated in an expedition to Antarctica. After winning a Paramount Pictures talent contest, he relocated to Hollywood and appeared in several films. During the Second World War, he returned to Britain to serve as a flight controller with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Following a brief return to New Zealand, he moved back to Britain to resume acting. His most famous role was William Glanville in The Dam Busters. Later in his career, he became frequently typecast as a police inspector in multiple films and television series before eventually retiring to Gloucestershire. He died on December 1, 1995.
Career overview
Colin Edward Livingstone Tapley was an actor known for his work in both American and British films. Born in New Zealand, his early life included service in the Royal Air Force and participation in an expedition to Antarctica. His career direction shifted after he won a Paramount Pictures talent contest, which led to a move to Hollywood where he acted in several films.
During the Second World War, he returned to Britain and served as a flight controller with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Following a brief return to New Zealand, he moved back to Britain once again to renew his acting career. Throughout his career, he accumulated numerous known credits in movies and television shows. His most famous role was as William Glanville in The Dam Busters.
Much of his later career saw him typecast as a police inspector, a role he portrayed in several films and television series. He eventually retired to Gloucestershire, concluding a diverse life and career that spanned multiple continents and military service alongside his extensive acting filmography.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
55 titles- Richard the Lionheart (1962) as Steward
- Richard the Lionheart (1962) as Chamberlain
- Strongroom (1962) as Haynes
- Emergency (1962) as Dr. Lloyd
- The Lamp in Assassin Mews (1962) as Inspector
- Gang War (1962) as Paul Alexis
- So Evil, So Young (1961) as Inspector
- The Sundowners (1960) as Palmer (uncredited)
- Compelled (1960) as Inspector
- An Honourable Murder (1960) as Casca
- Innocent Meeting (1959) as Stannard
- Man Accused (1959) as Inspector
- The Safecracker (1958) as Colonel Charles Mercer
- Stranger in Town (1957) as Henry Ryland
- The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956) as Lord Vanton
- The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956) as Everard
- The Dam Busters (1955) as Doctor W.H. Glanville, C.B., C.B.E.
- Barbados Quest (1955) as Lord Valchrist
- The Diamond Wizard (1954) as Sir Stafford Beach
- Noose for a Lady (1953) as Major Fergusson
- 3 Steps to the Gallows (1953) as Arnold Winslow
- The Steel Key (1953) as Dr. Crabtree
- Strange Stories (1953) as Charles ('Strange Journey')
- Wings of Danger (1952) as Inspector Maxwell
- Angels One Five (1952) as Adjutant
- Wide Boy (1952) as Mannering
- Cloudburst (1951) as Inspector Davis
- Samson and Delilah (1949) as Prince
- North West Mounted Police (1940) as Mountie
- Arizona (1940) as Bart Massey
- The Light That Failed (1939) as Gardner
- If I Were King (1938) as Jehan LeLoup
- Storm Over Bengal (1938) as Hallett
- Booloo (1938) as Captain Robert Rogers
- Maid of Salem (1937) as Roger's Friend (Uncredited)
- Souls at Sea (1937) as Donaldson (uncredited)
- Night of Mystery (1937) as Chester Greene
- The Crime Nobody Saw (1937) as Dr. Brooks
- Bulldog Drummond Escapes (1937) as Dixon
- King of Gamblers (1937) as Joe
- The Preview Murder Mystery (1936) as Studio Manager
- My Marriage (1936) as Sir Philip Burleigh
- Early to Bed (1936) as Doctor Vernon
- Thank You, Jeeves! (1936) as Tom Brock
- The Return of Sophie Lang (1936) as Larry
- Too Many Parents (1936) as Miller
- The Black Room (1935) as Paul Hassel as a young lieutenant
- Peter Ibbetson (1935) as Clerk (uncredited)
- The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935) as Barrett
- Becky Sharp (1935) as William Dobbin
- The Last Outpost (1935) as Lieutenant Prescott
- Murder at the Vanities (1934) as Stage Manager (uncredited)
- Double Door (1934) as Dr. John Lucas
- Wagon Wheels (1934) as Mountaineer
- Father Brown, Detective (1934) as Maître d' (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Colin Tapley best known for?
Colin Tapley is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including So Evil, So Young (1961), The Sundowners (1960), Innocent Meeting (1959), 3 Men and a Baby (1987).
When and where was Colin Tapley born?
Colin Tapley was born on May 7, 1907 in Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand. They passed away on December 1, 1995.
How many credits does Colin Tapley have?
Colin Tapley has accumulated over 55 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1934 to 1962.
What is Colin Tapley's background in cinema and television?
Colin Tapley was a New Zealand actor born on May 7, 1907, who worked in both American and British films. Before his acting career, he served in the Royal Air Force and participated in an expedition to Antarctica. After winning a Paramount Pictures talent contest, he relocated to Hollywood and appeared in several films....
Colin Tapley by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956) as Lord Vanton — aged about 49
- The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956) as Everard — aged about 49
- The Dam Busters (1955) as Doctor W.H. Glanville, C.B., C.B.E. — aged about 48
- The Sundowners (1960) as Palmer (uncredited) — aged about 53
- Innocent Meeting (1959) as Stannard — aged about 52
- Samson and Delilah (1949) as Prince — aged about 42
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