Stanley Baker

He passed away in Màlaga, Spain. On television he played Chester Riley in "The Life of Riley." Bendix died in Los Angeles of pneumonia. His busy life was cut short that same year, when he died from cancer at the age of forty-eight. Probably his best-known role was as Sir Sagramore opposite Bing Crosby in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1949), in which he took part in the famous trio, "Busy Doing Nothing". In 1976 he was granted a knighthood, although he never lived to officially receive the honour. He played in supporting roles in dozens of Hollywood films, usually as a soldier, gangster or detective. Stanley Baker came from rugged Welsh mining stock in the Rhondda Valley, but moved to London with his parents in the mid-1930s. Bendix was born in New York City, and made his film debut in 1942, having worked as a grocer until the Great Depression.

Along with his production and film career Stanley Baker also appeared on the small screen including the dramas 'The Changeling' (1974), 'Robinson Crusoe' (1974), and also in a BBC adaptation of "How Green Was My Valley" (1975). William Bendix (January 14, 1906 - December 14, 1964) was an American film actor. He formed his own production company in the 1960s and produced films that included 'Robbery' (1968) and 'The Italian Job' (1969). Perhaps one of his most memorable roles was as John Chard in 'Zulu' alongside Michael Caine. However he was not always a villain and did have a few more endearing roles.

In private life, he was a close friend and drinking companion of another Welsh actor, Richard Burton. He was usually cast as a villain, tough, gritty and fiery - qualities that he played admirably. He was an actor and film producer who came to prominence in the 1950s although he made his film debut in 1943 as a teenager in the film 'Undercover'. His adult film career began with 'All Over the Moon' (1949). Baker was born in Ferndale, Rhondda Valley, Wales, United Kingdom.

Sir Stanley Baker (8 February 1927 - 28 June 1976) was a Welsh actor.