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Robert Newton

Jun 01, 1905 - Mar 25, 1956 (50 years old) in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, UK

Robert Newton was one of the great character actors -- and great characters -- of the British cinema, best remembered today for playing Long John Silver in Treasure Island (1950) and its sequel in 1954. His portrayal of Long John Silver and of Blackbeard, the Pirate (1952) created a persona that was so indelible that his vocal intonations created the paradigm for scores of people who want to "Talk Like a Pirate." The performance overshadows Newton's legacy, which is based on many first-rate performances in such movies as This Happy Breed (1944), Odd Man Out (1947) and Oliver Twist (1948), where his Bill Sykes is truly chilling. Oliver Reed, who played Sykes in the Oscar-winning movie musical Oliver! (1968) was influenced by Newton.

Known For

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Climax!
Keith Dorrant
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The Wonderful World of Disney
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Lux Video Theatre
Mr. Fishkettle
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Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Peter J. Goodfellow
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The Adventures Of Long John Silver
Capt. Long John Silver
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Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
John Lindsey, the Baker
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General Electric Theater
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Jamaica Inn
James "Jem" Trehearne
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This Happy Breed
Frank Gibbons
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Treasure Island
Long John Silver

Credits