David Bauer, born in Chicago in 1917, initially found more success as an actor in Europe compared to his home country. Unfortunately, he was caught up in the anti-Communist hysteria that swept the United States, particularly Hollywood, during the 1950s. As a result, Bauer decided to leave the US and settle in Great Britain, where he discovered a niche in British television, often playing a variety of crooked American businessmen, attorneys, and other roles.
Throughout his time in England, Bauer appeared in several notable television series, including The Saint (1962),The Element of Doubt (1962),and had a memorable turn in the Living in Harmony (1968) episode of the fondly remembered Patrick McGoohan series, The Prisoner (1967). He also appeared in The London Beat (1972),an episode of the American cop series shot in England, playing an American mob boss.
Despite his success in television, Bauer didn't appear in many films during his time in England, with his best-known roles being in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965),where he played a judge, and Patton (1970),as American Lt. Gen. Harry Buford. Additionally, he had parts in two James Bond films, You Only Live Twice (1967) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).
Bauer was also active on the British stage, both as an actor and director. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed away in London in 1973, at the age of 55.