David Bailie
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- December 4, 1937 in Springs, South Africa
- Died
- March 6, 2021
- Active Years
- 1960–2026 (67 Years)
- Total Credits
- 38 credits in database
Biography
David Bailie was a South African-born British actor and photographer known for his performances in film, television, stage, and voice work. Born on December 4, 1937, in Springs, South Africa, he attended boarding school in Swaziland before immigrating to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, with his family in 1952. During the 1960s and 1970s, he worked for both the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he served as an associate artist. On television, he played Dask in the 1977 Doctor Who serial. In film, he portrayed the character Cotton in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. He passed away on either March 5 or March 6, 2021.
Career overview
David Bailie was a South African-born British actor known for his performances across stage, television, and film, as well as his work as a voice actor and photographer. Born on December 4, 1937, in Springs, South Africa, he went to boarding school in Swaziland before immigrating to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, with his family in 1952.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Bailie established a notable stage career, working for both the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he served as an associate artist. In addition to his theatrical work, he appeared in various television and film productions throughout his career. Among his television credits, he played the character Dask in the 1977 Doctor Who serial. In film, he is well known for his role as Cotton, which he played in the feature films Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.
Bailie passed away at the age of 83, with his date of death recorded on March 5, 2021, and March 6, 2021, across archival records. Throughout his extensive career, he accumulated numerous acting credits in film, television, and on stage, cementing his legacy as a versatile character actor.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
38 titles- Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead (2026) as Scythian
- In the Trap (2020) as Father Andrew
- The House That Jack Built (2018) as S.P.
- The Beyond (2018) as Jacob
- The Timber (2015) as Sheriff Snow
- October 1 (2014) as Ackerman
- Traveller (2013) as Wentzelow
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code: Wedlocked (2011) as Cotton
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) as Cotton
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) as Cotton
- According to Plan: The Harrowing and True Story of Dead Man's Chest (2006) as Self
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) as Cotton
- Attila (2001) as Shaman
- Gladiator (2000) as Engineer
- The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) as English Judge
- Cutthroat Island (1995) as Dawg's Pirate
- Blake's 7: Duel (1986) as Chevner
- Henry IV Part 1 (1979) as Second Carrier
- Blake's 7 (1978) as Chevner
- Golden Rendezvous (1977) as Younger Terrorist in Car (uncredited)
- Doctor Who: The Robots of Death (1977) as Dask
- Plays for Britain (1976) as Disc Jockey
- Hitting Town (1976) as Disc Jockey
- Legend of the Werewolf (1975) as Boulon
- The Little Minister (1975) as Sergeant Davidson
- Churchill's People (1974) as Bertram
- Son of Dracula (1974) as Chauffeur
- The Lonely Man's Lover (1974) as Daniel Tasker
- The Creeping Flesh (1973) as Young Doctor
- The Black Arrow (1972) as Risingham Captain
- Henry VIII and His Six Wives (1972) as Norris
- All's Well That Ends Well (1968) as Morgan
- Ransom for a Pretty Girl (1966) as Colonel Caron
- BBC Play of the Month (1965) as Sgt. Davidson
- BBC Play of the Month (1965) as Marcadé
- Doctor Who (1963)
- Doctor Who (1963) as Dask
- Jazz on a Summer's Day (1960) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is David Bailie best known for?
David Bailie is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including In the Trap (2020), The House That Jack Built (2018), The Beyond (2018), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007).
When and where was David Bailie born?
David Bailie was born on December 4, 1937 in Springs, South Africa. They passed away on March 6, 2021.
How many credits does David Bailie have?
David Bailie has accumulated over 38 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1960 to 2026.
What is David Bailie's background in cinema and television?
David Bailie was a South African-born British actor and photographer known for his performances in film, television, stage, and voice work. Born on December 4, 1937, in Springs, South Africa, he attended boarding school in Swaziland before immigrating to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, with his family in 1952. During the 1960s...
David Bailie by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Gladiator (2000) as Engineer — aged about 62
- Doctor Who (1963) — aged about 25
- Doctor Who (1963) as Dask — aged about 25
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) as Cotton — aged about 65
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) as Cotton — aged about 68
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) as Cotton — aged about 69
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