Cyril William North Raymond MBE (13 February 1899 – 20 March 1973) was a British character actor. He maintained a stage and screen career from his teens until his retirement, caused by ill health, in the 1960s. His many stage, film and television roles include Fred Jesson, the husband of Celia Johnson's Laura Jesson in ''

Brief Encounter ''Brief Encounter'' is a 1945 British romantic drama film directed by David Lean from a screenplay by Noël Coward, based on his 1936 one-act play ''Still Life''. Starring Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, and Joyce Carey, ...

'' (1945).

Life and career

Raymond was the son of Herbert Linton Raymond and his second wife, Rose ( Knowles). Herbert died in 1906 at the Grand Hotel, Broad Street,

Bristol Bristol () is a city, ceremonial county and unitary authority in England. Situated on the River Avon, it is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol is the most populous city in ...

, which he and his wife ran. Raymond became a pupil at Sir Herbert Tree's Academy of Dramatic Art."Obituary: Mr. Cyril Raymond", ''The Times'', 22 March 1973, p. 20 He made his professional debut in 1914 at the

Garrick Theatre The Garrick Theatre is a West End theatre, located in Charing Cross Road, in the City of Westminster, named after the stage actor David Garrick. It opened in 1889 with ''The Profligate'', a play by Arthur Wing Pinero, and another Pinero play, ' ...

, London, playing the Second Spanish Gentleman in ''Bluff King Hal''.Gayle, pp. 1099–1100 As Little Billee in ''

Trilby A trilby is a narrow-brimmed type of hat. The trilby was once viewed as the rich man's favored hat; it is sometimes called the "brown trilby" in Britain Roetzel, Bernhard (1999). ''Gentleman's Guide to Grooming and Style''. Barnes & Noble. and ...

'' he supported Tree's Svengali at His Majesty's Theatre in 1915. While still a boy actor he appeared in plays by Louis N. Parker, Edward Knoblock and Harold Brighouse. In 1916, he played a major juvenile role, Lord Deerford, in Parker's ''Disraeli''. ''

The Observer ''The Observer'' is a British newspaper published on Sundays. It is a sister paper to ''The Guardian'' and '' The Guardian Weekly'', whose parent company Guardian Media Group Limited acquired it in 1993. First published in 1791, it is the ...

'' reported that he "played very cleverly". A film was made of the play; he repeated his role of Deerford. In 1922 Raymond married the actress

Iris Hoey Wilhelmina Iris Winifred Hasbach ("Iris Hoey") (17 July 1885 – 13 May 1979) was a British actress in the first half of the twentieth century, both on stage and in movies. Early life Iris Hoey was born in London, daughter of Wilhelm Anton H ...

. They had one child, John Raymond, who became an author and critic. The couple co-starred in several West End plays in the 1920s; Raymond also worked extensively with the producer

Basil Dean Basil Herbert Dean CBE (27 September 1888 – 22 April 1978) was an English actor, writer, producer and director in the theatre and in cinema. He founded the Liverpool Repertory Company in 1911 and in the First World War, after organising unof ...

. He and Hoey divorced in 1936 and the following year he married the actress Gillian Lind. In the view of Raymond's obituarist in ''

The Times ''The Times'' is a British daily national newspaper based in London. It began in 1785 under the title ''The Daily Universal Register'', adopting its current name on 1 January 1788. ''The Times'' and its sister paper '' The Sunday Times'' (f ...

'' it was in the mid-1930s that "he found what might be called his vocation, in contributing balanced, controlled, humorous pieces of acting as foils to more flamboyant performances by highly accomplished leading ladies". He co-starred as the spouse or partner of a range of leading ladies over the next twenty or so years, including Sybil Thorndike in ''Short Story'' (1935), Ruth Chatterton in ''

The Constant Wife ''The Constant Wife'', a play written in 1926 by W. Somerset Maugham, is a comedy whose modern and amusing take on marriage and infidelity gives a quick-witted, alternative view on how to deal with an extramarital affair. A “sparkling comedy o ...

'' (1937 revival),

Gertrude Lawrence Gertrude Lawrence (4 July 1898 – 6 September 1952) was an English actress, singer, dancer and musical comedy performer known for her stage appearances in the West End of London and on Broadway in New York. Early life Lawrence was born Gertr ...

in ''September Tide'' (1948), Edith Evans in '' Waters of the Moon'' (1953) and Yvonne Arnaud in ''Mrs Willie'' (1956). During the

Second World War World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposi ...

Raymond served in the

Royal Air Force The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom's air and space force. It was formed towards the end of the First World War on 1 April 1918, becoming the first independent air force in the world, by regrouping the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) an ...

from 1939 to 1945, and was awarded the MBE. In the cinema he appeared as Celia Johnson's character's husband in the 1945 film ''

''. In ''

'', C. A. Lejeune praised "the sweetness, the sobriety, and the fresh delicacy" of his performance and those of Johnson and

Trevor Howard Trevor Wallace Howard-Smith (29 September 1913 – 7 January 1988) was an English stage, film, and television actor. After varied work in the theatre, he achieved star status with his role in the film ''Brief Encounter'' (1945), followed by ''T ...

. In the 1960s, Raymond appeared in plays by writers of the younger generation, including Nigel Dennis, Giles Cooper and John Osborne. In Osborne's '' Inadmissible Evidence'' in 1965 he appeared with Nicol Williamson and

John Hurt Sir John Vincent Hurt (22 January 1940 – 25 January 2017) was an English actor whose career spanned over five decades. Hurt was regarded as one of Britain's finest actors. Director David Lynch described him as "simply the greatest actor in t ...

."Character's Humiliating Ugliness", ''The Times'', 18 March 1965, p. 9 This was one of his last appearances, and ill health obliged him to retire several years before his death.

Filmography (incomplete)

* '' The Hypocrites'' (1916) – Leonard Wilmore * ''

Disraeli Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, (21 December 1804 – 19 April 1881) was a British statesman and Conservative Party (UK), Conservative politician who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He played a centr ...

'' (1916) – Lord Deeford * '' I Will'' (1919) – Harris Giles * ''His Last Defence'' (1919) – David Hislop * ''

The Scarlet Kiss ''The Scarlet Kiss'' is a 1920 British silent sports film directed by Fred Goodwins and starring Maud Cressall, Philip Hewland and Marjorie Hume.Mitchell p.116 Cast * Maud Cressall * Philip Hewland * Marjorie Hume * Cyril Raymond Cy ...

'' (1920) * ''

Wuthering Heights ''Wuthering Heights'' is an 1847 novel by Emily Brontë, initially published under her pen name Ellis Bell. It concerns two families of the landed gentry living on the West Yorkshire moors, the Earnshaws and the Lintons, and their turbulent re ...

'' (1920) – Hareton * ''

Sonia Sonia, Sonja or Sonya, a name of Greek origin meaning wisdom, may refer to: People * Sonia (name), a feminine given name (lists people named, Sonia, Sonja and Sonya) :* Sonia (actress), Indian film actress in Malayalam and Tamil films :* Sonia ...

'' (1921) – Tom Dainton * '' Single Life'' (1921) – John Henty * '' Moth and Rust'' (1921) – Fred Black * ''

Cocaine Cocaine (from , from , ultimately from Quechua: ''kúka'') is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant mainly used recreationally for its euphoric effects. It is primarily obtained from the leaves of two Coca species native to South Ameri ...

'' (1922) * '' The Faithful Heart'' (1922) – Albert Oughterson * ''

These Charming People ''These Charming People'' is a 1932 British drama film directed by Louis Mercanton and starring Cyril Maude, Godfrey Tearle and Nora Swinburne. It was produced at Elstree Studios outside London by the British subsidiary of Paramount Pictures. ...

'' (1931) – Miles Winter * '' The Ghost Train'' (1931) – Richard Winthrop * '' The Happy Ending'' (1931) – Anthony Fenwick * ''

A Man of Mayfair ''A Man of Mayfair'' is a 1932 British musical comedy film directed by Louis Mercanton and starring Jack Buchanan, Joan Barry and Warwick Ward. Production It was made at British and Dominions Elstree Studios by the British subsidiary of Param ...

'' (1931) – Charles * '' Condemned to Death'' (1932) – Jim Wrench * '' The Frightened Lady'' (1932) – Sergeant Ferraby * ''

The Shadow The Shadow is a fictional character created by magazine publishers Street & Smith and writer Walter B. Gibson. Originally created to be a mysterious radio show narrator, and developed into a distinct literary character in 1931 by writer Walter ...

'' (1933) – Jim Silverton * '' The Lure'' (1933) – Paul Dane * '' Strike It Rich'' (1933) – Slaughter * ''

The Man Outside ''The Man Outside'' (, literally ''Outside, at the door'') is a play by Wolfgang Borchert, written in a few days in the late autumn of 1946. It made its debut on German radio on 13 February 1947. ''The Man Outside'' describes the hopelessness of ...

'' (1933) – Captain Fordyce * '' Mixed Doubles'' (1933) – Reggie Irving * '' Home, Sweet Home'' (1933) – John Falkirk * '' Keep It Quiet'' (1934) – Jack * ''

Royal Cavalcade ''Royal Cavalcade'', also known as ''Regal Cavalcade'', is a 1935 British, black-and-white, drama film directed by six separate directors: Thomas Bentley (Supervising Director), Herbert Brenon, Norman Lee, Walter Summers, W. P. Kellino and Mar ...

'' (1935) – Undetermined Minor Role (uncredited) * '' The Tunnel'' (1935) – Harriman * ''

It's Love Again ''It's Love Again'' is a 1936 British musical film directed by Victor Saville and starring Jessie Matthews, Robert Young and Sonnie Hale. In the film, a chorus girl masquerades as a big game hunter to try to boost her showbiz career. The fil ...

'' (1936) – Montague * '' Tomorrow We Live'' (1936) – George Warner * '' Accused'' (1936) – Guy Henry * ''

Thunder in the City ''Thunder in the City'' is a 1937 British drama film directed by Marion Gering and starring Edward G. Robinson, Luli Deste, Nigel Bruce and Ralph Richardson. Plot An American salesman with radically successful methods visits England ostensib ...

'' (1937) – James * '' Dreaming Lips'' (1937) – PC * ''Stardust'' (1938) – Jerry Sears * '' Night Alone'' (1938) – Tommy * '' The Spy in Black'' (1939) – The Rev. John Harris * ''

Goodbye, Mr. Chips ''Goodbye, Mr. Chips'' is a novella about the life of a school teacher, Mr. Chipping, written by English writer James Hilton and first published by Hodder & Stoughton in October 1934. It has been adapted into two feature films and two televi ...

'' (1939) – Teacher (uncredited) * '' Come On George!'' (1939) – Jimmy Taylor * '' Saloon Bar'' (1940) – Harry Small * ''

The First of the Few ''The First of the Few'' (US title ''Spitfire'') is a 1942 British black-and-white biographical film produced and directed by Leslie Howard, who stars as R. J. Mitchell, the designer of the Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft. David Niven co ...

'' (1942) – Radio Control Officer (uncredited) * ''

'' (1945) – Fred Jesson * '' Men of Two Worlds'' (1946) – Education Officer * '' This Was a Woman'' (1948) – Austin Penrose * '' Quartet'' (1948) – Railway Passenger (segment "The Colonel's Lady") * ''

The Jack of Diamonds ''The Jack of Diamonds'' is a 1949 British adventure film directed by Vernon Sewell and starring Nigel Patrick, Cyril Raymond and Joan Carroll. Its plot follows an ex-soldier who persuades some yacht owners to help recover a treasure chest of ...

'' (1949, co-wrote screenplay with Nigel Patrick) – Roger Keen * '' Angels One Five'' (1952) – Squadron Leader Barry Clinton * '' Rough Shoot'' (1953) – Cartwright * '' The Heart of the Matter'' (1953) – Carter (uncredited) * ''

The Gay Dog ''The Gay Dog'' is a 1954 British comedy film directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Wilfred Pickles, Petula Clark and Megs Jenkins. It was filmed at Southall Studios, and features Petula Clark singing "A Long Way to Go", written by Joe Henders ...

'' (1954) – Rev. Gowland * '' The Crowded Day'' (1954) – Philip Stanton * ''One Just Man'' (1954) * '' Lease of Life'' (1954) – The Headmaster * '' Charley Moon'' (1956) – Bill * ''

The Baby and the Battleship ''The Baby and the Battleship'' is a colour 1956 British comedy film directed by Jay Lewis and starring John Mills, Richard Attenborough and André Morell. It is based on the 1956 novel by Anthony Thorne with a screenplay by Richard De Roy, ...

'' (1956) – P.M.O. * '' The Safecracker'' (1958) – Inspector Frankham * '' Dunkirk'' (1958) – General The Viscount Gort V.C. * '' No Kidding'' (1960) – Col. Matthews * '' Carry On Regardless'' (1961) – Army Officer * '' Don't Talk to Strange Men'' (1962) – Mr. Painter * ''

Night Train to Paris ''Night Train to Paris'' is a 1964 British-American spy film starring Leslie Nielsen, Aliza Gur and Dorinda Stevens. Plot Former OSS officer Alan Holiday is visited by Catherine Carrel on New Year's Eve, Carrel says she's a close friend of Jule ...

'' (1964) – Insp. Fleming

Selected stage credits

* '' Summertime'' by Louis N. Parker (1919) * '' The Last Hour'' by Charles Bennett (1928) * '' The Return of the Soldier'' by

John Van Druten John William Van Druten (1 June 190119 December 1957) was an English playwright and theatre director. He began his career in London, and later moved to America, becoming a U.S. citizen. He was known for his plays of witty and urbane observation ...

(1928) * '' There's Always Juliet'' by John Van Druten (1931) * ''

Tony Draws a Horse ''Tony Draws a Horse'' is a 1950 British comedy film directed by John Paddy Carstairs and starring Cecil Parker, Anne Crawford and Derek Bond. It was adapted from a 1939 play of the same name by Lesley Storm. Plot When their eight-year-old ...

'' by

Lesley Storm Lesley Storm was the pen-name of Mabel Cowie (1898–1975), also known by her married name of Mabel Clark. She was a Scottish writer, who wrote a number of plays, some of which were filmed. ''Black Chiffon'' and '' Roar Like a Dove'' were ma ...

(1939) * '' Under the Counter'' by

Arthur Macrae William Arthur Schröpfer (17 March 1908 – 25 February 1962) known by the pen name and stage name Arthur Macrae was an English playwright and comic actor. He graduated from RADA in 1928; with acting work including the original West End producti ...

(1945) * '' Happy with Either'' by

Margaret Kennedy Margaret Moore Kennedy (23 April 1896 – 31 July 1967) was an English novelist and playwright. Her most successful work, as a novel and as a play, was '' The Constant Nymph''. She was a productive writer and several of her works were filmed. T ...

(1948) * ''

Aunt Edwina ''Aunt Edwina'' is a 1959 comedy play by the British writer William Douglas Home. It premiered at Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne before beginning a run of 101 performances in London between 3 November 1959 and 6 February 1960 initially at ...

'' by William Douglas Home (1959)

Notes, references and sources

Notes

References

Sources

* *

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Raymond, Cyril 1899 births 1973 deaths 20th-century English male actors English male film actors English male silent film actors English male stage actors Members of the Order of the British Empire Royal Air Force officers Royal Air Force personnel of World War II