Philip Locke Biography
Philip Locke, born Roy James Locke on 29 March 1928, was an English actor known for his captivating and memorable roles in film, television, and on stage.
Philip Locke developed a passion for acting at an early age and pursued it by enrolling at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). After completing his training, he became part of the ensemble at the Royal Court Theatre in the late 1950s, where he honed his craft.
With his gaunt and sinister appearance, Philip Locke quickly became known for his ability to portray shrewd and eccentric characters, as well as villains, in both film and television. In fact, he became a familiar face on British television from the 1960s, with roles in popular shows such as The Baron, The Avengers, The Saint, and Department S.
However, Philip Locke’s most iconic role on screen came in the form of the silent assassin Vargas in the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball.
Aside from his work on screen, Locke also had an illustrious stage career. He was a member of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in several notable productions, including playing the infamous Professor Moriarty in the Broadway production of Sherlock Holmes from 1974 to 1976. He also showcased his versatility as an actor by appearing in the National Theatre’s production of Amadeus.
Throughout his career, Philip Locke amassed an impressive filmography, which included appearances in movies such as The Bulldog Breed, Hitler: The Last Ten Days, and Wilde, which turned out to be his last appearance on screen.