Michael Ripper

Michael Ripper was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. Ripper began his acting career with roles in such films as "The History of Mr. Polly" (1949) with John Mills, the dramatic comedy "Your Witness" (1950) with Robert Montgomery and the crime feature "The Secret People" (1952) with Valentina Cortese. He also appeared in the Robert Morley dramatic sports film "The Rainbow Jacket" (1954), the Alastair Sim comedy "Wee Geordie" (1955) and the dramatic adaptation "Richard III" (1955) with Laurence Olivier. He continued to work steadily in film throughout the fifties, appearing in "Steel Bayonet" (1957), the Joyce Grenfell comedy "Blue Murder at St. Trinian's" (1957) and "Enemy From Space" (1957) with Brian Donlevy. He also appeared in "Woman in a Dressing Gown" (1957). Toward the end of his career, he tackled roles in the suspenseful adaptation "The Phantom of the Opera" (1962) with Herbert Lom, the thrilling adaptation "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" (1965) with Richard Burton and the Frankie Howerd comedy sequel "The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery" (1966). He also appeared in "Inspector Clouseau" (1968) with Alan Arkin and the Christopher Lee horror film "Dracula Has Risen From the Grave" (1969). Ripper last appeared in "Jeeves and Wooster, Series II" (PBS, 1992-93). Ripper passed away in June 2000 at the age of 87.