Christopher Gable

Famed British ballet star Christopher Gable made an uncommonly successful transition to acting, performing significantly in both film and theater. The lanky, blond, London-born dancer began his career on scholarship to the Royal Ballet School. Upon graduation in 1956. Gable began working in opera ballet with contemporary Lynn Seymour. The two then joined the Royal Ballet Touring company, and in 1960 he won his first big stage role in "The Invitation," cast opposite Seymour at her recommendation. The following year, they were again paired in the premiere of "The Two Pigeons." While with the touring company of the Royal Ballet, Gable danced leading roles in "The Sleeping Beauty," "Swan Lake," "La Fille Mal Gardee" and "Sylvia." 1963 saw Gable transfer from touring to the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, performing in productions of "Coppelia," "Giselle," "Daphnis and Chloe" and "Cinderella." The Gable and Seymour pairing became known as a powerfully complementary team whose exceptional dancing proficiency was matched by their strong acting skills. In this capacity they were cast as Romeo and Juliet in MacMillan's 1965 ballet production of Shakespeare's play. While the roles were created by Gable and Seymour, they were removed from the premiere cast and replaced by Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, more well-known dancers considered to be bigger box-office draws. Gable went on to get rave reviews for his work in subsequent performances of the ballet, and the next year he had a successful run as the Joker in John Cranko's ballet "Card Game."