Remembering the great British actor and comedian David Tomlinson, born on this day.
The first picture is a polaroid taken of David visiting Peter Sellers in hospital in Geneva, Switzerland, in December 1979, after Peter had suffered yet another heart attack. The two actors were on a break from filming "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu" in Paris, during which time Peter went back to his home in Gstaad, and after being taken ill, was hospitalized in Geneva.
Peter and David were close friends, their friendship going back to when they made "Up the Creek" together in 1958. Peter admired David and looked up to him, and the two spent a lot of time together in Paris during the filming of Fu Manchu. In his autobiography "Luckier Than Most", David recalls fond memories of his time with Peter. It is a heartwarming account of a genuine friendship.
David flew from Paris to visit Peter in hospital, and Peter showed him "Being There"; just the two of them watching the movie in Peter's hospital room. Peter was very proud of this film.
"Let's have a photograph", Peter said to David. David sat next to Peter in his hospital bed, and this touching photo was taken by Peter's personal assistant, Michael Jeffery.
Pictures 2 & 3 were taken on the set of Fu Manchu, the third one signed by Peter. "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu" is both actor's last movie. David retired after completing the film, and Peter passed away a few weeks before the film's theatre release in 1980.
These beautiful photographs are courtesy of David's son James, from the family collection. Thank you, James for generously allowing me to share these lovely pictures once more, and for the wonderful stories 🙏
Please have a look at the great page on David Tomlinson @david_tomlinson_actor
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📷 James Tomlinson/Tomlinson family
📚 "Luckier Than Most" by David Tomlinson, 1990
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