Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ John Carson

[These daily posts will cover little known actors or people that have appeared in more recent films and TV series. Various degrees of information that I was able to find will be given and anything that you can add would be appreciated.]

John Derek Carson-Parker was born in Colombo, Ceylon on February 28, 1927. He was educated in Australia and went to Britain to do national service as an artillery officer in an anti-aircraft regiment between 1944 and 1945. He then studied law at Queen's College, Oxford before leaving for New Zealand, where he worked in amateur theatre before returning to Britain to begin his professional career. His stage appearances included the original productions of “A Man For All Seasons” and “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg”.

As John Carson he was an English actor known for his appearances in film and television. Making his film debut in 1947, he carved out a career appearing in low-budget British films such as “Seven Keys” (1961), “Smokescreen” (1964) and “Master Spy” (1964). His saturnine looks and sinister voice (sometimes compared with James Mason) led to him starring in a number of horror films including “The Night Caller” (1965), “The Plague of the Zombies” (1965), “The Man Who Haunted Himself” (1970), “Taste the Blood of Dracula” (1970) and “Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter” (1972). His only Euro-western appearance was in an uncredited role in “Ramsbottom Rides Again” (1956).

Carson moved with his family to South Africa in 1983 and continued to work in film and television. He died at his home in Cape Town on November 5, 2016, at the age of 89. Married twice, he was survived by his second wife, novelist Luanshya Greer, a British actress, who is best known for her roles on television during the 1960s. In 1966, she had changed her forename from Pamela to Luanshya, and became a writer for TV shows. Carson was also survived by his six children, four from his first marriage, Richard, Chris, Katie and Harry, and two from his second marriage, Ben and Suzann

Carson died peacefully on November 5, 2016, in Cape Town, South Africa. He was 89. The well-known actor, loving husband, and a wonderful father and grandfather

CARSON, John (John Derek Carson-Parker) [2/28/1927, Colombo, Ceylon – 11/5/2016, Cape Town, South Africa] – theater, film, radio, TV actor, married to ? father of Richard Carson, Chris Carson, Katie Carson, Harry Carson, married to  writer Luanshya Greer (Pamela Edith Greer) [1941-    ] (1974–2016) father of Ben Carson, Suzann Carson.

Ramsbottom Rides Again – 1956