Gerry Sundquist

Actor Gerry Sundquist was born Gerald Christopher Sundquist in Manchester. He was known professionally as Gerry Sundquist, but always affectionately known as Ged to his friends.

He grew up in Chorlton with his older brother and younger sister. He developed an interest in acting at primary school and joined the Stretford Children's Theatre whilst still at school - St. Augustine's R.C. Grammar School in Wythenshawe.

On leaving school at 16 he worked briefly on the night shift at the Kellogg's factory in Manchester, but keen to pursue his acting career he soon moved to London. His first real breakthrough came in 1974 when casting director Doreen Jones saw him going into work at the Kellog's factory and put him up for his first professional TV role as Jim in the popular 10-part Granada TV serial 'Soldier & Me' followed by the role of Billy in 'The Siege of Golden Hill' in 1975. He also appeared in many theatre productions in the mid 1970s - the Young Vic's production of 'All Walk of Leg', 'The Fantastic Fairground' and 'Macbeth' in 1975, following on with a memorable portrayal of Alan Strang in John Dexter's production of 'Equus' at the National Theatre in 1976.

His other TV and film roles include an appearance as Malic in 'The Dorcons' episode of 'Space 1999', in 1978, the starring role in 'Music Machine' in 1979, Michael Radlet in the TV drama, 'The Mallens' in 1980 and one of his finest roles, 'Pip' in the 1981 BBC adaption of 'Great Expectations'. Appearances in 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' in 1982 and 'The Last Days of Pompeii' and 'Don't Open 'til Christmas' in 1984, followed.

In between filming in various locations around the world, Gerry lived in the Cotswolds village of Barnsley for a time and then moved back to London. However, his personal life and career seemed to go into a downward spiral in the mid 1980s.

Throughout his most difficult times he was supported by his loving family, especially his brother Geoffrey and with his help Gerry seemed to gradually overcome his problems and resume his acting career. In 1992 he played a character called Jimmy Matthews in 'Lost Boy' - an episode of the long running ITV series, 'The Bill' but this was Gerry's last TV appearance. Despite his apparent hope for the future, Gerry took his own life by jumping in front of a train at Norbiton train station on Sunday, 1st August, 1993. He was only 37 years old. He left a suicide note apologising to his family for "letting you down". His funeral took place in Kingston, Surrey.

Gerry's brother, Geoffrey was inspired to create a lasting tribute to Gerry's life and created a children's story - 'Father Christmas and the Missing Reindeer', inspired by childhood memories of time spent with Gerry and their family at Christmas time. The book was published and later made into an animated short film and released in 1997 - dedicated to Gerry's memory.

After his first book, Geoffrey began writing a screenplay for a film entitled 'The Whistling Boys', a story about two brothers, set during the First World War. However, the film was never realised as, sadly, Geoffrey Sundquist passed away in March, 2005.