Gary Raymond's arrival into the world took place on April 20, 1935, in the bustling neighborhood of Brixton, England, within a family deeply rooted in the world of acting. As the youngest of three sons, Gary shared a special bond with his twin brother Robin, both of whom were born to parents who were renowned music hall entertainers.
From a young age, Gary's life was characterized by a prestigious scholarship to the esteemed Gateway School in Leicester, which he secured at the tender age of 11. It was at this institution that Gary had the opportunity to hone his craft, studying drama under the guidance of the London County Council.
Gary, a thespian of remarkable talent, embarked upon his professional journey following the culmination of his formal education. His impressive academic credentials led him to secure a prestigious place at the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. This esteemed institution, a breeding ground for the finest thespians, provided Gary with the ideal platform to hone his craft and develop his unique acting style.
As his skills and confidence grew, Gary's exceptional abilities caught the attention of the revered Royal Shakespeare Company. In the mid-1950s, he became a proud member of this illustrious troupe, joining the ranks of some of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time.
Throughout his tenure with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Gary had the privilege of portraying an astonishingly diverse range of Shakespearean characters. His versatility and mastery of the Bard's works were showcased in iconic roles such as Horatio, Claudius, Macbeth, Oberon, Benedick, Orlando, and Antonio.
Gary's pioneering journey in the realm of cinema was characterized by a string of remarkable performances in a diverse array of films, including the iconic science fiction epic The Moonraker, the groundbreaking drama Look Back in Anger, the poignant and thought-provoking Suddenly, Last Summer, the critically acclaimed theatrical adaptation The Playboy of the Western World, the fantastical adventure Jason and the Argonauts, and the revered biblical epic The Greatest Story Ever Told.
These noteworthy roles in his early filmography garnered significant attention from the Hollywood establishment, ultimately leading to a co-starring opportunity alongside the talented Christopher George in the acclaimed television war series The Rat Patrol.
Gary's illustrious career was marked by his unwavering dedication to his craft as a stage actor, with numerous original role performances in a wide range of iconic musicals. These notable productions include the beloved classics She Loves Me, Irma La Douce, Treasure Island, The Sound of Music, and Sunday in the Park with George, as well as more contemporary works such as A Little Night Music, JFK: A Musical Drama, Finian's Rainbow, Grand Hotel, and Follies.
In addition to his extensive work in musical theatre, Gary also had a significant presence on the non-musical stage, taking on diverse roles in a variety of plays. These productions included the thrilling adventure tale Treasure Island, the thought-provoking dramas The Complaisant Lover, The Crucifer of Blood, and Electra, the poignant comedy of manners The Beaux Stratagem, the powerful drama Bent, and the whimsical fantasy The Wind in the Willows.
Gary's television career in Britain continued to flourish, with a plethora of recurring roles in esteemed productions such as Who-Dun-It, The Doctors, and Harriet's Back in Town. His impressive repertoire also included numerous guest appearances in prominent series, including The Persuaders, And Mother Makes Three, New Scotland Yard, The New Avengers, The Omega Factor, Spy, Coronation Street, Casualty, Ellington, and Victoria & Albert. Furthermore, Gary's talents extended to television movies and mini-series, where he delivered notable performances in productions such as The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank and Scarlett.
Gary's personal life was characterized by a significant milestone, namely his union in marriage to the talented actress Delena Kidd, which took place in the year 1961. This important event marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership that would endure for many years to come. As a result of this union, Gary was blessed with three precious children, each of whom would go on to forge their own paths in the world of entertainment. Among his offspring was the accomplished actress Emily Raymond, who would follow in her father's footsteps and make a name for herself in the industry.
