Stanley Lebor

Stanley Lebor: 

† Sep 24, 1934 - Nov 23, 2014

Look at that face. The prominent nose and chin, the Balkan 'tache, the unwavering cynical gaze. It's a bit strange, then, that we're probably most familiar with Stanley Lebor from his rather uncharacteristic role as deadpan deadly dull Howard in 'Ever Decreasing Circles', because he's actually more often seen in villainous and sinister parts. His severe countenance has made him popular with casting directors looking for evil henchmen, Cold War assassins, gypsy chieftans and taciturn farmhands.  

      

His better TV work includes: 'Department S', 'Jason King', 'Doomwatch', 'The Protectors', 'The Tomorrow People', 'Hammer House of Horror', 'The Naked Civil Servant', 'The Borrowers', 'Reilly, Ace of Spies' and as a commendable Inspector Lestrade in the '80s Holmes series, 'The Baker Street Boys'. He played Leon the sinister butler in the Scottish kids adventure serial 'Huntingtower', and a memorable rival bodyguard in the 'Minder' episode 'The Bengal Tiger'. The one with the arranged-marriage scam run by Arthur's newsagent Mr Muckerjee that ends with a messy punch-up in an Indian restaurant.     

He's been in a few big-screen films. The long-lost Donald Pleasance comedy 'Arthur! Arthur!' (1969) is one I'd like to see, but there was also 'Up the Front' (1972), 'Nothing But The Night' (1973), 'Flash Gordon' (1980), 'Tarka the Otter' (1979), and 'Gandhi' (1982).   


Stanley Lebor - imdb

Bob Goody

Bob Goody: 

† Apr 16 1951 – March 5 2023

The extremely lanky frame and gaunt features of actor Bob Goody first came to my attention as a marked comedy contrast to the energetically tubby Mel Smith in their kids show, 'Smith and Goody' back in 1980. The show was knockabout, but educational, trying to counteract the 'weedy kid' image of libraries and getting working class kids interested in reading books.  

His old drama school and Edinburgh Fringe pal Smith had already gained instant fame from the wildly popular 'Not The Nine O'Clock News', while Goody slid slightly into the comparative hinterlands of acting and writing – even though his CV still has some interesting high-points. There was 'Lovejoy', 'Porterhouse Blue', 'The Kenny Everett Show', and the usual soap and drama factory-circuit of the '90s an '00s: 'The Bill', 'Doctors' and a stint as drugs counselor Gavin in 'EastEnders'.                

I'm also pretty sure this is Bob Goody (orig pic Keith Morris),
although I haven't been able to find mention of him in relation
to this sleeve artwork. 'Private Practice' - Doctor Feelgood. 

He also shows up in minor roles in a couple of biggish movies; 'Flash Gordon' (1980), The Cook, the Thief his Wife and her Lover' (1989) 'The Borrowers' (1997).

I gather he has also done a fair bit of workshop theatre and a few interesting independent films.
Including a delightfully seedy turn in this one: 'Curtains' directed by Julian Barratt. It can be found among the extras on the DVD 'The Mighty Boosh on Tour: Journey of the Childmen'.

Edit Mar 2023: Very sad to hear of Bob Goody's passing.
There's a lovely YouTube video of an evening with Bob here: Bob Goody & Friends  
 
Bob Goody - imdb