Victor was a favorite comedian of the Beatles particularly George Harrison's.George even stating "You've got to be in all our films..If you're not in them,me mum wont come and see them coz she fancies you.."
Spinetti was born in Wales of Welsh and Italian ancestry,he attended the Cardiff College of Music And Drama.Waiting tables and a factory worker were one of his first jobs before entering showbusiness.Perhaps the most memorable role Spinetti had was from the Beatles' second movie Help! where he played the role of Foot-the mad scientist who got obsessed over Ringo's ring and later on the orchid essense which has the power to shrink things from its normal size.He teamed up with the late Roy Kinnear,who played Algernon-Foot's not so clever assistant.
Actually,it was in Help! that I fancied Spinetti even more.Sir Paul McCartney used to describe him as the man who makes clouds disappear.
Spinetti made his last appearance on a Beatles movie in the film Magical Mystery Tour where he played the role of a wacky army drill sergeant.Post-Beatles,Spinetti appeared on Paul McCartney's London Town music video.
The last musical appearance of Spinetti was in 1985 when he teamed up again with Roy Kinnear and did a comic stint on Mike & The Mechanics music video "All I Need Is A Miracle".Kinnear died three years later in 1988 when he fell off while horseback riding.
Spinetti is now a fellow at his alma mater the Cardiff College of Music and Drama.
My tribute to Victor Spinetti with all the love and admiration...Thank you Victor for making us all laugh
updated June 19,2012: Victor Spinetti died of prostate cancer at age 82.
In memoriam...Victor Spinetti (1929-2012)
(c) Keith Vernon Adagio
Wonderful article Keith, I had no idea that George and his Mom were such big fans of his.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
Condolences to Victor's family and friends.
ReplyDeleteA fine actor takes his final bow.