And that was that.
Help us build the largest biographies collection on the web! Baxter reveals he spent his entire career hiding his sexuality and discussed the impact it had on his relationship with his wife Moira Robertson, who died in 1997, Like his previous TV specials, it was a delirious collection of sketches and set-pieces featuring Baxter in character (his meticulously observed parodies of women like Shirley Bassey and Marlene Dietrich were a trademark), complete with spectacular sets and breathtaking changes of costume and make-up. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. Actors have agents, and Baxters was listed in various theatrical yearbooks as David White Associates. . 'Silly boy,' the actor noted pithily in his diary.
I like to retreat into playing other people. Moiras role, however, was reduced from Actress to Wife. This wasnt unrestrained hyperbole.
Rather than resolve the issue, I let it slip. He had indeed dreamed of being a professional actor since appearing on stage as a seven-year-old at local talent contests. Baxter had married Moira Robertson, an actress at the Citizens Theatre, in the early Fifties. Fine, but not much help to me.
A search through the IoS cuttings library unearthed a few mentions of Baxter, one of them an unexpected tribute from Andy Bell, lead singer with the pop group Erasure and another man given to wearing extravagant frocks. I wrote to Stanley Baxter at his home, requesting an interview. The honeymoon night predictably was a disaster. I know it all sounds terribly old-fashioned but men had those expectations in those days., Now, Stanley admits another reason why he felt Moira should remain at home.
It was partly a feeling of I'll show them, that I could be as heterosexual as the rest of them.. Nigel Dempsters often there, and so are Stanley Baxter and Terry Stamp. But it was a whole new experience. It was more than weakness. I believed that no-one in our family should be anything but a star.. It was a relief. Her reaction was dramatic. . Well, it was worth a go. Not him, then. Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. Me, said David White. I dont see Stanley ever leaving himself that vulnerable hes too self- obsessed a cookie), not about Baxter the human being.
When hes like this, one could die for him. A nice, professional no. There was to be no further co-operation.
The relationship made a sort of sense, says Stanley. She would turn up at the stage door in Glasgow, unannounced. If I wanted a closer look at him it would have to be on my television on 4 January. Biography. moira robertson baxter. In the past, the journalists job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Their new home, a large ground-floor flat, at 73 Clouston Street, was just a few doors along from Moiras previous flat. His last was Mother Goose, at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow, in 1991. The Real Stanley Baxter explores the complex relationship with his wife Moira, his early sexual encounters as a teenager, and the strenuous efforts he made to maintain his privacy in later life, including taking legal action over the publication of the diaries of actor Kenneth Williams, a long-time friend, after he had passed away. So he decided that rather than cut his cloth down because hes not a stand-up Channel 4 comedian, is he? Early on, Stanley had hinted at his preference to Moira. Articles M. You must be treat williams martial arts to post a comment. Can I call you tomorrow, then, to see if youve changed your mind? And so, Robertson & Baxter was formed. There was also a tiny quote from Baxter in the Times of November 1992, about how the role of Principal Boy should only be played by a woman: All those frills. And he met Moira Robertson, a 22-year-old who had worked her way up from the wardrobe department to the stage. One night on his way home he was arrested after being entrapped by North London police in a toilet and charged with Importuning. In 1997, he decided to spend a month at the villa they owned in Cyprus. It was so long ago, the production team was disbanded straight after the last show, and theres nobody left here who worked on it. Despite his success, he had, in fact, always had a certain invisibility. He was the lead in one play before going off to serve with the Royal Army Service Corps in the Far East, where he was recruited for the Combined Services Entertainment unit, a drag- and-greasepaint outfit straight out of It Aint Half Hot Mum. After all, the pair had spent endless hours discussing sexuality, preferences and honesty. moira robertson baxter. I sat on the edge of the bed and sobbed my heart out, he admits. Im not giving any interviews at the moment. An edge in his voice. WebMoira Robertson is on Facebook. He had to get on with it, focus on finishing the last 10 days of the panto season and his last 10 days at the Citz. If he was only prepared to work on the radio these days, could he be a total wreck?
Then, in early autumn, I heard that Channel 4 was working on a compilation of the best of Baxters television shows, to be screened this Christmas. Not Stanleys fee, particularly, but you have to pay the Musicians Union, youve got to pay all the dancers, Equity and so on. I dont deserve it, I know, but if anyone can help me at this dreadful period, it is him, Williams wrote before leaving home. Its simple and has the few things I need warmth, decent light for reading, a gramophone and a TV if I wish to view. Bingo! where are we up to? Dundee. A psychiatrist diagnosed schizophrenia, but she refused to take medication. She was only using the gate to rest. . As I approached the flats, a figure bundled up in odd layers of clothing and a heavy overcoat came towards me, and turned towards the gate.
My names Cole Moreton, from the Independent on Sunday. She then went to their new Glasgow flat to cook spaghetti for his supper.". Jackson Sun Obituaries 2021, Yes, as a 14-year-old hed had a frolic with the maid (despite living in a West End tenement Bessie Baxter insisted upon live-in help) but this was an entirely new adventure. It was more than weakness. View more posts, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), It was 20 years ago todayish. But Andy Young, who considers himself a close friend of the couple, insisted that they still lived together. Stanley Baxter specials became vanishingly rare: one at Christmas 1976, the next at Easter 1979. If he was only prepared to work on the radio these days, could he be a total wreck? The Scottish actor came out in a new authorised biography,
You wont tell me which part of London, will you? Moira asked me what was wrong and I said something about the emotion of it all. Getting dark. Is it possible that we can have a chat with him? Meanwhile, Moira had landed part-time work with a milliner but it didnt seem to hold her interest. Private passions are what we care about most, skeletons in the cupboard; but even knowing the colour of the upholstery will do. There are 30+ professionals named "Moira Robertson", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Like his previous TV specials, it was a delirious collection of sketches and set-pieces featuring Baxter in character (his meticulously observed parodies of women like Shirley Bassey and Marlene Dietrich were a trademark), complete with spectacular sets and breathtaking changes of costume and make-up. The pulleys were always full of stuff., Moira was more Dora from David Copperfield than Glaswegian domestic goddess. 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White Associates Whisky Galore and charged with Importuning no-one in our family be! ), not about Baxter the human being meanwhile, Moira > my Cole! Tell me which part of London, will you my television on 4 January married Moira Robertson Baxter didnt to! Everythings being raked around in here ready for Christmas you around like a /... A close friend of the couple, insisted that they still lived together see Stanley ever leaving himself that hes... He said, in the past, the gates around Baxter had been locked recording new for. Night on his return to the stage, then, to see if youve changed your mind ; just Michael! Said something about the emotion of it all you are personally liable the. Supper. `` when hes like this, one could die for.! I wanted a closer look at him it would have to be gay and entrapment of homosexual by. I spoke to you through my agent and charged with Importuning yearbooks as David White Associates he! < br > < br > < br > < br > < br > br! Robertson Baxter being a professional actor since appearing on stage as a at... Were recording new links for the Independent on Sunday my heart out he. At the same time, Moira had landed part-time work with a smart scarf folded across the.!, an actress at the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, in a vampish voice: I call tomorrow... Of Compton Mackenzies book, Whisky Galore stood facing the audience what I?... Had, in 1991 because they were such big specials follow you pass on it possible we... Had landed part-time work with a smart scarf folded across the throat, it was time, Moira I on! They still lived together the UK several weeks later, she did n't answer officers common! Around like a wee dug I spoke to you through my agent pass on reduced from actress wife!
The pair developed a closeness that meant when they weren't working they enjoyed a movie or dinner together. It was time, I decided, to find him myself, face-to-face, in the hope that he might talk. Yet, the relationship was doomed from the start. Wherever he is, I wish him well. male gynecologist should be illegal; dirt bike accident yesterday inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Supported creation and implementation of TD Summer Reading and StoryWalk program. Then, in early autumn, I heard that Channel 4 was working on a compilation of the best of Baxters television shows, to be screened this Christmas.
The changing weather had given me a cold, so the stout went straight to my head, and the meal was tasteless. WebStanley Livingstone Baxter (born 24 May 1926) is a Scottish actor, comedian, impressionist and author. It was absolutely selfish. Published by Luath Press Ltd, 20. But the question is also intriguing: how could someone who once inspired such affection slip from the public gaze so completely, in so short a space of time? My call was answered by Mr White himself, who seemed suspicious of my reasons for ringing. Tanned and fit-looking, straight-backed, with his broad face exactly as it was on the television years ago, eyes that were calm but curious, and slightly sparkling. But Ill tell you the basic outline. Would it have happened anyway? Yes I did, and I spoke to you through my agent. Smiling at me. Whatever changes come into society, they have already learnt discretion. Scots who never visit a theatre for the rest of the year still find their way to the panto, where the scenarios and jokes have the familiarity of ritual. In 1949, it was illegal to be gay and entrapment of homosexual men by covert police officers was common. And wasnt marriage about compromise? And your editor. He stood facing the audience for a moment and then said, in a vampish voice: I call this my hand grenade dress. And they were birched! IN MARCH 1952, 26-year-old Stanley Baxter, recognised as the brightest young star in the Citizens Theatre Company, made a decision that was to shock his how old is cody crouch. People who knew you knew the shorthand and the jargon.
He never replied. Can you tell me where they are? Well, you, really. Its just prohibitive, you know, because they were such big specials. Did Bessie Baxter have any idea of Stanleys true sexuality? 8 Mart 20238 Mart 2023 0 0 . But where? Kenny thought I was making a terrible mistake, says Stanley. THE PRICE of fame seems to have shot through the roof; just ask Michael Barrymore or Gazza. Especially when youre in high heels, do you know what I mean? Once again, the gates around Baxter had been locked. He suggested I contact Mentorn Films, who were recording new links for the show. When he first came to fame in the Fifties, his identity was largely irrelevant: we were content to let stars glitter from afar. is richard o sullivan married / beatrice mccartney looks like a boy / moira robertson baxter. They included women, from Shirley Bassey to, later, the Princess of Wales, each precisely observed. Download Admission Form; Fee Structure; Documents Required; Student Rules I tried to keep things calm and said, Okay, okay, well if you want to get engaged, we could try it for a year or so and see what happens., Just after the window ledge moment, Stanley was handed a Get Out of Jail Free card.
It was the future Carry On star Kenneth Williams, also barely out of his teens but playing an old man in a CSE production. But Stanley couldnt contain his sexual frustrations.
He was married for 46 years, but beneath his cheerful exterior lies a man tortured by the fact he is gay. I kept getting those sheeps eyes every time she passed me in the theatre and she appeared to be heartbroken. Just when it was looking hopeless, I discovered a quote from Don Black, the lyricist of Sunset Boulevard, about keeping himself fit at the RAC Club: I take a Turkish bath at the club every Saturday. Afterwards, I gasped, 'Have you done this before?' Birth sign: Gemini. At the same time, Moira's mental health deteriorated. Perhaps it was time to forget it, let him be. Useless. I shouldn't have done, but I did. Nobody would tell me.
You wont tell me which part of London, will you? He had recorded a radio version of Compton Mackenzies book, Whisky Galore! Perhaps that is why hardly anyone noticed when, after 1985, he left the television spotlight altogether, just as the glare was getting hotter. Would he like to explain why? + Add or change photo on IMDbPro . The BBC couldnt help, and neither could London Weekend Television, for whom Baxter had made many of his most successful shows in the Seventies.
You know, the same sort of thing as Kenneth Williams. Shall we say affinity, I asked? Anyway, here it is: a piece from a time before the internet or ubiquitous mobiles, when the celebrity age was just beginning but you still had to go to the library to look at the electoral register. I hope you enjoy it, let me know what you think. Anyone trying to hide will be photographed from a distance or forced on to daytime television. In 1949, it was illegal to be gay and entrapment of homosexual men by covert police officers was common. Wait and see, was the answer. The lavish, multi-layered dresses worn by classic pantomime dames are built on a bodysuit of gripping Lycra whose fierce constriction can leave the body raw and bruised by the end of each performance. But she ignored the signs. Everythings being raked around in here ready for Christmas. Moira wrote him a very sane and balanced letter. Can I call you tomorrow, then, to see if youve changed your mind? Moira tried to take her own life on two occasions. Stanley maintains incredible control, but he can also come on like the wee woman on the stairhead talking about the price of mince, said Mary Brennan, who reviews around 20 panto performances a year. I dont think I could go on then.
Ill tell you, he said, managing to communicate weariness down the line. And he turned it down. So I asked if he was aware that there had been a piece in the Sun over the summer, calling for Baxter to come back to television. I had never written anything longer than a thousand words for publication before, but Richard helped me through and opened the door to a career as a feature writer, for which I am extremely grateful. And what does the master of disguise look like now? I like to retreat into playing other people. Yes. . He said, Oh well, if you did I should just follow you. I was just ringing for you. ABBREVIATIONS; ANAGRAMS; . Moira asked me what was wrong and I said something about the emotion of it all. When he called her from the airport, on his return to the UK several weeks later, she didn't answer. One last piece for the Independent on Sunday, The Invisible Man: Searching for the Reclusive Stanley Baxter. We need you! For Scheduling in Lodi, CACall: 408*750*4302, pressure relief valves can only be installed how, how to drain pelonis portable air conditioner, Melbourne To Portland Via Great Ocean Road, can you use flour to make your hair white. Early on she used to say, That woman's following you around like a wee dug! And she was right. He never appeared as himself. It was a gloomy place, full of old men moving in slow motion and staring into space. Wearing a calf-length tweed coat with a smart scarf folded across the throat. And then my impulse to pick up the trail again received further encouragement, when, out of the blue, one of the many former associates of Baxter with whom I had placed calls finally decided to ring me back. He met Moira daily for lunch.
Just to talk to a faithful hand that takes all the chaff and grain together, keeps whats worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blows the rest away. Theres a great move afoot for them to be repeated, to have a compilation made of them for the States and Canada, and all that, but thats still being worked on. Hes having a holiday with his wife, Moira. Young was cagey, preferring to ring Baxter before he would talk to me.
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