Derek Fowlds Biography

Derek Fowlds made his acting debut as a stage actor in the play 'The Miracle Worker'. He made his film debut playing a supporting role in the 1962 comedy film ‘We Joined the Navy’. In 1963, he was seen in the role of a medical student in the comedy film ‘Doctor in Distress’. He continued to appear in various other films. Some of his important works include 'Hotel Paradiso'. Released in 1966, the film was directed by Peter Glenville. The film was based on a play titled "L'Hôtel du libre échange" by Maurice Desvallières and Georges Feydeau.

In 1967, he played the role of Johan, a supporting character in the horror film ‘Frankenstein Created Woman’. Directed by Terence Fisher, the film was a commercial success. The film focused on metaphysical dimensions of life, like the question of the soul, and the relationship it has with the body. He continued to earn popularity for his films such as ‘The Smashing Bird I Used to Know’ (1969), ‘Tower of Evil’ (1972), and ‘Mistress Pamela’ (1973). He gained a lot of popularity, especially among children, for his role in the TV series ‘The Basil Brush Sho’`. Between 1980 and 1984, he played Bernard Woolley, one of the main characters in the TV series ‘Yes Minister’. The series gained appreciation from critics, and also received several BAFTA Awards. It was also known to be the favourite TV program of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Fowlds also played recurring characters in few other TV shows including ‘Affairs of the Heart’, and ‘Die Kinder’.

In 1992, he played lead role in the Australian film ‘Over the Hill’. The same year, he began appearing in the police drama series ‘Heartbeat’, playing the main role of Sergeant Oscar Blaketon. He continued to play the role till the show ended in 2010. Reviews towards the series were generally mixed to positive. The series also won a few awards.

Derek Fowlds was born on 2 September 1937, in Wandsworth, London, UK, to James Witney Fowlds and Ketha Muriel. His father worked as a salesman.

Derek studied at Ashlyns School, and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to learn acting.

He was married twice. Both his marriages ended in divorce. From 1964 (to 1973, he was married to Wendy Tory. They had two children. From 1974 to 1978, he was married to Lesley Judd, dancer and TV presenter.

Derek Fowlds published an autobiography in 2015, which was titled ‘A Part Worth Playing’.

He passed away on 17 January 2020, at the age of 82, due to heart failure and sepsis, as well as pneumonia.