John Bluthal
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- August 12, 1929 in Malopolskie, Poland
- Died
- November 15, 2018
- Active Years
- 1956–2022 (67 Years)
- Total Credits
- 113 credits in database
Biography
John Bluthal, born Isaac Bluthal, was a comic actor known for his work in television and film. Born in Poland on August 12, 1928, or 1929, he emigrated with his family to Australia as a child. In the early 1960s, he moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his acting career before returning to Australia in later years. His notable television roles include Frank Pickle in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley and work with Spike Milligan in the Q series. His film appearances include the Carry On movies, The Pink Panther movies, A Hard Day's Night, Help!, The Fifth Element, and Hail, Caesar!. Bluthal passed away on November 15, 2018, at the age of 89.
Career overview
John Bluthal was a comic actor born as Isaac Bluthal in Poland. He emigrated with his family to Australia as a child. In the early 1960s, Bluthal moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his acting career before returning to Australia in later years.
He became best known for his role as Frank Pickle in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley and for his work with Spike Milligan in the Q series. In addition to his television work, he appeared in several films, including the Carry On movies, The Pink Panther movies, A Hard Day's Night, Help!, The Fifth Element, and Hail, Caesar!. Throughout his career, he accumulated a significant body of work in acting, with known credits totaling 105.
Bluthal was born on August 12, 1929, in Malopolskie, Poland, though some biographical records note his birth as August 12, 1928. He passed away on November 15, 2018, at the age of 89.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
113 titles- Presented in Supercolorisation (2022) as Commander Wilbur Zero / Kazak (voice)
- Presented in Supercolorisation (2022) as Commander Wilbur Zero / Doctor Simpson (voice)
- Presented in Supercolorisation (2022) as Commander Wilbur Zero / Jock Campbell (voice)
- The Vicar of Dibley: Inside Out (2021) as Self (Archive Footage)
- Jungle (2017) as Uncle Nissim
- Hail, Caesar! (2016) as Prof. Marcuse
- British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves (2016) as Frank Pickle (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Spirited (2010) as Rocco
- The Funny Blokes of British Comedy (2005) as Frank Pickle (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Love's Brother (2004) as Pepe
- On Location: The Carry Ons (2001) as Corporal Clotski (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Beware of Greeks Bearing Guns (2000) as Stephanos
- Dark City (1998) as Karl Harris
- What's a Carry On? (1998) as Corporal Clotski (archive footage) (uncredited)
- RPM (1998) as Grinkstein
- The Fifth Element (1997) as Professor Pacoli
- Jonathan Creek (1997) as Jack Holiday
- Spellbreaker: Secret of the Leprechauns (1996) as Michael Dennehy
- Spike (1996) as Self
- Leapin' Leprechauns (1995) as Michael Dennehy
- The Vicar of Dibley (1994) as Frank Pickle
- A Pinch of Snuff (1994) as Maurice Arany
- Blue Heelers (1993)
- Virtual Murder (1992) as Tonu
- Stan and George's New Life (1992) as Stan Senior
- One Foot in the Grave (1990) as Mr Jellinek
- Birds of a Feather (1989) as Pedro
- Inspector Morse (1987) as Victor Ignotas
- Lovejoy (1986) as Popov
- Labyrinth (1986) as Goblin (voice)
- The Life and Loves of a She-Devil (1986) as Angus
- In Sickness and in Health (1985) as Ricky
- Super Gran (1985) as Inside Legg The Tailor
- Squaring the Circle (1984) as Babiuch
- Taggart (1983)
- Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983) as Krassin
- Superman III (1983) as Pisa Vendor
- The Return of Captain Invincible (1983) as Deli Owner
- There's A Lot Of It About (1982)
- Bergerac (1981) as Edward Emanuelson
- Alison's Birthday (1981) as Dean Findlay
- Home Sweet Home (1980) as Enzo Pacelli
- Franklin River Journey (1980) as Narrator
- Touch and Go (1980) as Anatole
- Minder (1979) as Solly Salmon
- Design for Living (1979) as Ernest Friedman
- Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978) as Guard at Cemetery
- The Irishman (1978) as Dave
- Renoir, My Father (1978) as Gleyne
- BBC2 Play of the Week (1977) as Gleyne
- That's Carry On! (1977) as Corporal Clotski / Moshe Montmorency (archive footage)
- Spaghetti Two-Step (1977) as Sidney
- Bluey (1976) as Newsman
- Fantasm (1976) as Notafreud (uncredited)
- The Joke (1976) as Dr Einstein
- Escape to Entebbe (1976) as Reporter
- Meriel the Ghost Girl (1976) as Sam Nicholls
- Rumpole of the Bailey (1975) as Gaston LeBlanc
- The Return of the Pink Panther (1975) as Blind Beggar
- The Great McGonagall (1975) as various
- Mrs. Acland's Ghosts (1975) as Mr. Mockler
- Playhouse (1974) as Sam Nicholls
- Playhouse (1974) as Dr. Einstein
- Playhouse (1974) as Lieberman
- Playhouse (1974) as Mr. Mockler
- The Four Musketeers (1974) as English Officer/Innkeeper and other roles (voice) (uncredited)
- The Cafeteria (1974) as Lieberman
- The Over-Amorous Artist (1974) as Pakistani Salesman
- The Flying Sorcerer (1974) as Uncle Charlie
- The Three Musketeers (1973) as Various Roles (voice)
- Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World (1973) as Jerry
- Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width (1973) as Manny Cohen
- Sykes (1972) as Henry
- Nightmare (1972)
- Carry On Henry (1971) as Moshe Montmorency (uncredited)
- Doctor in Trouble (1970) as Taxi Driver
- Q... (1969)
- A Talent for Loving (1969)
- The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom (1968) as Judge
- The Visitors (1968) as Arrhur Somerset
- The Brahmin Widow (1968) as Kondu
- Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968) as Dr. Pinto
- ITV Playhouse (1967) as Kondu
- Man in a Suitcase (1967)
- Casino Royale (1967) as Casino Doorman / MI5 Man
- City '68 (1967) as Arthur Somerset
- Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width (1967) as Manny Cohen
- Follow That Camel (1967) as Corporal Clotski
- A Ghost of a Chance (1967) as Mayor's Assistant
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) as Roman Chief Guard
- BBC Play of the Month (1965) as Ernest Friedman
- Help! (1965) as Bhuta
- The Knack... and How to Get It (1965) as Angry Father
- The Protectors (1964) as Vladimir Kropotny
- HMS Paradise (1964) as Gus
- A Hard Day's Night (1964) as Car Thief (uncredited)
- Carry On Spying (1964) as Head Waiter / Dr. Crow (voice)
- This Is My Street (1964) as Joe
- Father Came Too! (1964) as Actor Playing Robert the Bruce
- Festival (1963) as Justin Thyme
- The Mouse on the Moon (1963) as Von Neidel (as John Bluthall)
- Doctor in Distress (1963) as Railway Porter (uncredited)
- The Saint (1962) as Ziggy Zaglan
- The Saint (1962) as Guido Naccaro
- Fireball XL5 (1962)
- Fireball XL5 (1962) as Commander Wilbur Zero (voice)
- The Avengers (1961) as Sergei Ivenko
- It's a Square World (1961)
- Citizen James (1960) as Charlie
- The Larkins (1958) as Martinez
- Hancock's Half Hour (1956)
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Emmanuel 'Manny' Cohen
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Pils
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John Bluthal best known for?
John Bluthal is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Jungle (2017), Hail, Caesar! (2016), Dark City (1998), The Fifth Element (1997).
When and where was John Bluthal born?
John Bluthal was born on August 12, 1929 in Malopolskie, Poland. They passed away on November 15, 2018.
How many credits does John Bluthal have?
John Bluthal has accumulated over 113 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2022.
What is John Bluthal's background in cinema and television?
John Bluthal, born Isaac Bluthal, was a comic actor known for his work in television and film. Born in Poland on August 12, 1928, or 1929, he emigrated with his family to Australia as a child. In the early 1960s, he moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his acting career before returning to Australia in later years. Hi...
John Bluthal by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- In Sickness and in Health (1985) as Ricky — aged about 55
- Festival (1963) as Justin Thyme — aged about 33
- Inspector Morse (1987) as Victor Ignotas — aged about 57
- The Avengers (1961) as Sergei Ivenko — aged about 31
- One Foot in the Grave (1990) as Mr Jellinek — aged about 60
- Citizen James (1960) as Charlie — aged about 30
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