David Tomlinson, a renowned British actor, is most famously recognized for his captivating portrayal of George Banks in Walt Disney's iconic 1964 film, Mary Poppins. His early life was marked by a brief stint in the guards, followed by his enlistment in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II.
During his time in the RAF, Tomlinson survived a harrowing plane crash on his first solo flight, which was caused by engine failure. Despite this traumatic experience, he went on to become a flying instructor for the remainder of the war.
Before his film career took off, Tomlinson began his journey in the pre-war British film industry, appearing in Quiet Wedding (1941) and Leslie Howard's 'Pimpernel' Smith (1941). He went on to make over 50 films throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
On the stage, Tomlinson enjoyed long-running successes in numerous plays, including "The Little Hut" alongside Robert Morley. Roger Moore served as his understudy, while Alec Guinness was an actor he understudied during the 1930s.
By the time he ventured to Hollywood to star in Mary Poppins (1964),Tomlinson had already established himself as a seasoned film and stage actor. He returned to Disney with great success, appearing in The Love Bug (1969) and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971).
Tomlinson was close friends with notable actors such as Errol Flynn, Robert Morley, and Peter Sellers. He also had the opportunity to spend time with Walt Disney, discussing his role in Mary Poppins (1964).
After an illustrious career spanning both film and stage, Tomlinson retired in the early 1980s. He will be remembered as one of the greatest character actors of the 20th century, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
