Monday, 20 January 2025

Andy Bradford

 


Andy Bradford:

Although a much-lauded name in the British film and TV industry, largely through his excellent work as a stuntman and fight co-ordinator, Andy Bradford isn't all that well known as an actor, despite having appeared in a pretty interesting cross-section of productions over the years. My personal favourite being the still-chilling and odd 'Robin Redbreast'. 

In 'The Family Way' (1966)

In the folk horror Play for Today, 'Robin Redbreast' 
with the late Anna Cropper in 1970 

As agent 009 in 'Octopussy' (1983) pursued
by two deadly assassins 

Beginning with an uncredited appearance in 'Carry On Cowboy' (1965), Andy Bradford has cropped up in a surprising list of TV favourites. There's been a mix of cop shows such as 'Z-Cars', 'Special Branch', 'Dixon of Dock Green', all the way up to 'Taggart' and several episodes of 'The Bill', as well as the expected action series where his stunt skills obviously came in handy, including 'The Protectors', 'The Adventurer', 'The Professionals', 'The Sandbaggers' and er, 'Dempsey & Makepeace'.  

Bradford (far right) in 'Catweazle', as one of 
Sam's roleplaying Norman knight pals

Other, less expected, shows include 'Catweazle', 'Mr Bean', four different characters in the distinctly action-light 'Crown Court', as well as soaps such as 'Coronation Street' and"Emmerdale Farm'. All very redolent stuff for me, and perhaps some of you.



Andy Bradford-imdb