Donald Gray

Biography

Donald Gray was born Eldred Tidbury in 1914 at Tidburys Toll on an Ostrich farm . He was educated Marist College Uitenhage then CBC Kimberley.Was South African winner Paramounts 1933 Search for Beauty which discovered Ann Sheriden and Colin Tapley. He won 1000 dollar bonus and bit player film contract until 1935 when passport expired. Went to London changed name to Don Tidbury appeared in Belles of St.Clements.In 1936 changed name to Donald and acquired butchers film service contract. Appeared in Four Feathers and replaced Stewart Granger in rep in Aberdeen 1939.Rejected 1939 army duodenal ulcer but enlisted Private in Gordon Highlanders 1940. Made Lieutenant in Kings Own Scottish Borderers in 1941. 1942 made We'll meet Again and promoted Captain.Lost left arm in July 1944 at Caen to German anti tank shell. 1946 toured South Africa with Where the Sun Shines. 1947 to 1951 in BBC radio Repertory company. Left to make Island of Desire.Returned to BBC 1952 as TV newsreader. 1955 to 1960 TVs Mark Saber. Typecast did get work in narrations and commercials but only seldom worked on TV after Captain Scarlet. Last appeared BBC TV in Hill of the Red Fox 1975. Died 1978 of a coronary.