RIP Geoffrey Bayldon 1924-2017

[Ilovesteptoe]

I'm sad to announce that the great actor Geoffrey Bayldon has died aged 93 yrs. Besides loads of cult horror films, Amicus included, vast amount of theatre plays and TV series, he will be best remembered to Steptoe fans as the terrified vicar in Steptoe And Son Rides Again (1973) , for his role as darkage time travelling 11th century wizard Catweazle (1970/71) and role as the Crowman in Worzel Gummidge (1970-81). Great actor who will be sorely missed by all.

[Dirty Old Yank]

Sad news indeed, a fine actor and thoroughly nice chap. I knew him best from Amicus portmanteau horror pictures like “Tales From the Crypt” and “The House That Dripped Blood”, I got to see both films in their original, early 70’s cinema release. In Derek Pykett’s 2012 documentary “Amicus House of Horrors”, Bayldon tells a funny story about watching "House That Dripped Blood" with an audience and his role as curio-shopkeeper Von Hartmann. Geoffrey was of course playing Catweazle at the time and hoped to make the character of Von Hartmann unique, distinct.
So dressed head to foot in black, he descends the stairs looking like Ernest Thesiger, he’s holding a black cat,
gazes at customer Jon Pertwee and slowly says, “.....May I be of some assistance?”
And the cinema audience exploded in unison, “Catweazle!!”
93 is good innings but not nearly enough.

[Ilovesteptoe]

Yeah, agreed DOY. His death was very sad, although expected being frail for many years. Another great gone to the pantheon of acting. He was in so many great TV series of note, especially classic horror films mentioned. Never heard one bad word spoken about the man. He's left a vast legacy for us all to enjoy, which will make so many happy for years to come.