Dursley James McLinden (29 May 1965 – 7 August 1995) was a British actor. He was born on the Isle of Man, his career was mostly focused on the London stage in musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Gigi (Lyric Theatre, 1985) and Follies.
Dursley McLinden | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Born | Dursley James McLinden 29 May 1965 Douglas, Isle of Man |
| Died | 7 August 1995 (aged 30) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1985–1995 |
He appeared in the title role in the 1988 film Just Ask for Diamond. His television roles included a 1988 appearance in Doctor Who as Sgt Mike Smith in the story Remembrance of the Daleks.
Early life
editAt the age of eight, McLinden made his first stage appearance at Willaston School, playing the dame in Dick Whittington.[1] Aged 16, he left his home in Douglas and trained as an actor at the Mountview Theatre School in Peckham.[2]
Death
editFalling ill in 1988, McLinden was diagnosed with HIV AIDS in 1990.[2] As a result, he raised money for West End Cares, the theatrical arm of AIDS charity Crusaid.[3] The actor continued working up until a few weeks before his death at the age of 30.[4] His death was attributed to AIDS.[5]
Legacy
editThe lead character of Ritchie Tozer (Olly Alexander) in the 2021 AIDS drama It's a Sin was inspired by McLinden. It's A Sin writer Russell T Davies met McLinden through mutual friend Jill Nalder.[6] The series also contains a direct tribute to McLinden, by way of Ritchie appearing in a fictional Doctor Who story, where he plays the character Trooper Linden.[7][8]
McLinden is the subject of a 2024 documentary made for the Blu-ray box set Doctor Who: The Collection — Season 25, entitled "Looking for Dursley", which explores his life and career.[6]
Other appearances
edit- Mr. Bean Shoe Salesman in Mr. Bean Goes To Town 1991
- After Henry Edward in "Party Politics" 1990
- Just Ask for Diamond 1988 aka Diamond's Edge Tim Diamond
- The Diamond Brothers: South by South East Tim Diamond
- Doctor Who – Remembrance of the Daleks 1988; Sgt Mike Smith
References
edit- ^ Dursley McLinden obituary - the Doctor Who Cuttings Archive
- ^ a b Fordy, Tom (28 January 2021). "The real Ritchie: Dursley McLinden, the Doctor Who actor whose tragic end inspired It's a Sin". The Telegraph.
- ^ It's a Sin: Remembering lost friends
- ^ Granger, Derek (12 August 1995). "OBITUARY: Dursley McLinden, The Independent". London. Retrieved 16 January 2011.
- ^ Garner, Clare (26 November 1995). "Arts suffer most as Aids rages on". The Independent. London. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
- ^ a b "Looking for Dursley". Doctor Who: The Collection Season 25 (special feature). BBC Studios. 2024.
- ^ "Russell T Davies filmed a surprise Doctor Who scene for new drama It's A Sin". Radio Times. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
- ^ Mellor, Louisa (25 January 2021). "It's a Sin's Doctor Who Crossover Pays Tribute to Remembrance of the Daleks Actor". Den of Geek. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
External links
edit
  | This article about a Manx actor is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This article about a British actor is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |