The son of a police superintendent in India, the character actor James
Hayter was educated in Scotland, where he was urged into acting by his
headmaster. After one year (1924-5) at the Royal Academy of the
Dramatic Arts in London, he performed in repertory theater, eventually
appearing in The West End in such plays as "1066 and All That" and
"French Without Tears." He made his film debut in 1936 and continued in
films until World War II, when he served in the Royal Armoured Corps.
After the war, he established an active screen career, excelling at
various sorts of character roles, especially in comedy. Characteristic
roles include Friar Tuck in
The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952) and
A Challenge for Robin Hood (1967),
The Pickwick Papers (1952), and
David Copperfield (1970).
Are You Being Served?(1972)as Mr. Tebbs
The Light Princess(1978)as Owl
The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones(1976)as Briggs
This Is Your Life(1955)as Self
Heroes of Comedy(1992)as Self
Century of Cinema(1995)as Mikka, 'Land of the Pharaohs'
The World of Hammer(1990)as Friar Tuck
The Best of 'Are You Being Served?'(1992)as Mr. Tebbs
Best of British(1987)as Self
