Rowland Thomas Bartrop, a notable figure in the world of acting, came into existence on December 21, 1925, in the quaint town of Walthamstow. Despite his father's occupation with Scotland Yard's Special Branch, Bartrop defied the odds and pursued a career in acting, ultimately joining the prestigious London Stage Academy in 1943. Initially, he took on juvenile roles, but his talent and dedication soon allowed him to branch out and tour with NAAFI and ENSA, where he had the esteemed opportunity to support renowned actors Rex Harrison and Anna Neagle in the production of French Without Tears during the tumultuous period of World War II.
As the dust settled following the conclusion of the war, Bartrop remained committed to his theatre pursuits, simultaneously cultivating a dual presence in both the London and provincial scenes. His versatility and dedication did not go unnoticed, as he was soon approached to participate in a unique Shakespearean endeavour - recording the Bard's works for posterity. In this endeavour, Bartrop shared the stage with the renowned Richard Burton in the production of Coriolanus.
As the 1950s unfolded, Bartrop's attention turned to the burgeoning world of television, where he would soon make a significant impact. His breakthrough role came in 1957, when he starred in the series Sword of Freedom, a production that would forever alter the trajectory of his career. It was during this time that he forged a lasting bond with his co-star, the talented Edmund Purdom.
Notably, the duo chose to pursue their acting careers in Europe, with a primary focus on costume films. Roland Bartrop, a talented individual, landed significant roles in several notable productions. One of his most memorable performances was as Horatio Nelson in the 1960 film "The Battle of Austerlitz". Additionally, he played a friend to the heroic Steve Reeves in the 1962 film "The Son of Spartacus". During his time in Europe, Bartrop, in an effort to further his career, shortened his first name to "Roland". Interestingly, he even took on the role of a German officer in two Italian films, where he was credited as "Roland von Bartrop" at the suggestion of the producer.
Bartrop's life was abruptly and tragically terminated when he succumbed to death at the tender age of 43, with his family left to grapple with the devastating mystery surrounding the circumstances of his demise, suspecting a heart attack to be the likely culprit.
In stark contrast to the expectations of his loved ones, Bartrop was known to be a physically fit and active individual, which only served to heighten the sense of shock and bewilderment that accompanied his untimely passing.
At the time of his death, Bartrop was residing in Switzerland with his actress wife, Colette Bartrop, who had the distinction of having shared the silver screen with him in the 1960 film Faces in the Dark.
