Michael Bilton, a renowned English actor, was born on December 14, 1919, and passed away on November 5, 1993, at the age of 73.
Michael Bilton was best known for his iconic roles in the British television sitcoms To the Manor Born and Waiting for God. In To the Manor Born, he played the character of Ned, a gardener and sometime butler, while in Waiting for God, he portrayed Basil, a septuagenarian satyr.
Bilton's early life and education were marked by his attendance at Hymers College, Hull. During the Second World War, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was wounded at the Battle of El Alamein. After his recovery, he began his acting career in repertory theatre.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bilton had a strong comedic bent, featuring in numerous television shows, including Keeping Up Appearances, One Foot in the Grave, and Grace and Favour. He also appeared in a variety of films, such as Pennies From Heaven, The Saint, The Avengers, The Prisoner, Quatermass II, and The Champions. In addition, he had roles in several Doctor Who stories, including The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve, Pyramids of Mars, and The Deadly Assassin.
Bilton's notable television appearances also included his role as the butler Stevens in "The Adventure of Shoscombe Olde Place" episode of The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, alongside Jude Law as an aspiring jockey. His film credits included A Taste of Honey (1961),The Thirty Nine Steps (1978),and The Fourth Protocol (1987),in which he portrayed Kim Philby.
However, his most successful television work was undoubtedly his portrayal of Basil in the sitcom Waiting for God, which was set in a retirement home and ran for three series. He also gained fame for his role as a gardener in a Yellow Pages commercial, where he was seen using a battered lawn-mower and was called over by his employers to be told of its new replacement just when he thought he himself was about to be pensioned off.
Michael Bilton passed away on November 5, 1993, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, at the age of 73.
