Canadian film actor, composer, songwriter, singer and
photographer Stephen Forsyth died in Toronto, Canada on September 11th.
He was two weeks shy of turning 85. Born Donald Stephen Forsyth in Toronto on September 22, 1938, after
graduating from McMaster University and studying at the London School of
Economics, Forsyth went on to composing, recording and performing his music in
France and Italy and starring in 8 of his 10 European films, ranging from Spaghetti
westerns, political, espionage to romantic comedies. While living in Italy he
also worked as a freelance photojournalist photographing and interviewing many
artists including Vittorio De Sica, Valerio Zurlini, Merce Cunningham, John
Cage, the Bread and Puppet Theatre, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Marc Chagall. Unhappy
with the roles he was being offered, he quit acting around 1970 and returned to
his native Canada, where he started a new career as a music composer. He had
been in poor health since suffering two major strokes in December 2018, which
left him wheelchair bound. Forsyth starred in three Spaghetti westerns: “In a
Colt's Shadow” in 1965 as Steve Blaine,
“Death at Owell Rock” in 1966 as Lawrence White and “Blood
Calls to Blood” in 1968 as Angel/Andrej/Andrew Willoughby.
[Stephen Forsyth fourth western
Met Stephen ten years ago in TO Friendly but secretive Wouldn't mention his birth date which was not unk then Didn't want his picture taken
ReplyDeleteStephen Forsythshot scenes that were never used for Roy Colt & Winchester Jack aka Roy Colt & Jack Winchester (February 1970).
ReplyDeleteHatchet for the Honeymoon Forsyth's last completed film was shot before Roy Colt.
So it may have been while working with wit Halsey & Bava that he decided to give up acting and pursue music.
Ironically both Forysth & Halsey would end up living in Toronto during the 1990's and early 2000's.
Halsey in fact still works in the area having just finished The Damnation of Dracula (2024, Canada) here.
Our sincere condolences to his loved ones. They just showed "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" on t.v., and though I am not a fan of violence directed toward women in films, it was surprising to see this handsome young man who we'd never seen before and who turned out to be a Canadian! May you find rest and peace with God's angels.
ReplyDelete