This Is Your Life: Peter Cushing

Peter CUSHING OBE (1913-1994)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Peter Cushing, actor, was surprised by Michael Aspel during an interview at Thames Television's Teddington Studios.

Peter, who was born in Kenley, Surrey, made his stage debut in 1935 and spent three years in repertory theatre before moving to Hollywood to pursue a film career. He made his film debut in the in 1939 production of The Man in the Iron Mask, before returning to England to join ENSA at the outbreak of the Second World War.

After the war he became one of the most recognisable faces on television with appearances in several live televised plays, including an acclaimed leading performance in George Orwell's 1984. From the late 1950s he gained worldwide fame for his appearances in the horror films produced by Hammer Studios, and became best known for his role as Baron Frankenstein in six of their seven Frankenstein films, and as Doctor Van Helsing in five Dracula films.

"I think it's just as well I wore my toupe!"

programme details...

Edition No: 775
Subject No: 765
Broadcast date: Wed 21 Feb 1990
Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
Recorded: Wed 24 Jan 1990
Venue: Teddington Studios
Series: 30
Edition: 18
Code name: Baron

on the guest list...

Kevin Francis
Fiona Armstrong
Sir James Carreras
Tony Hinds
Ursula Andress
Caroline Munro
David Rintoul
Dave Prowse
Peter Gray
Ernie Wise
Gwen Watford
Freddie Jones
Joanna Lumley
Peter Ustinov
Christopher Lee
John Mills

production team...

Researcher: Mandy Nixon
Writer: Roy Bottomley
Directors: Brian Klein, John Birkin
Associate Producer: John Graham
Producer: Malcolm Morris

names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

related pages...

An Actor's Life For Me

spotlight on the stars

Screenshots of Peter Cushing This Is Your Life

Christopher Gullo recalls this edition of This Is Your Life in his book, In All Sincerity, Peter Cushing...

Cushing's first television appearance in 1990 was a most unexpected one – the special guest of This Is Your Life. Secretary Joyce Broughton revealed in the 1999 re-release of Peter's two autobiographies that he did not want this honour bestowed upon him, but after speaking with his long-time friends Kevin Francis and Peter Gray, Broughton relented and went along with the surprise. Peter, however, did find out about the plan and changed his mind about not wanting to appear when he realised that all his friends would be there.

The programme of February 21st began with a video clip of host Michael Aspel emerging from a graveyard with his familiar red book before appearing in person to greet the guest of honour. Many of Cushing's co-workers also appeared in the programme, including Peter Gray, Gwen Watford, Christopher Lee (who sent a video clip as he was filming in New York), Freddie Jones, Caroline Munro, Dave Prowse, Anthony Hinds, Sir James Carreras and Peter Ustinov to name but a few. Comedian Ernie Wise was also on hand, doing another twenty-pound note routine with Cushing.

The favour would be returned when Cushing appeared on the December 26, 1990 episode of the same programme to do the routine with Ernie when he was the featured subject. Cushing seemed delighted that so many people had come to honour him and viewers also got to see some rare photos of his family and many clips from his long career. In a conversation with the author, Caroline Munro had this to say about the show:

"It was quite a strange day for me inasmuch as I had just gotten married the day before and I was still in a bit of a happy daze. A few months before I had been asked if I would like to be one of the guests on the show; I was absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. The show is a complete surprise for the guest of honour and seeing Peter's face as all his admiring friends and family came on stage was wonderful. It was obvious to everyone just how much he loved that evening. After the show we had a lovely party in the green room and we all had a chance to chat together and paw over Peter. It was a great evening."

David Miller recalls this edition of This Is Your Life in his book, The Peter Cushing Companion...

This Is Your Life featured Cushing on 21 February 1990. The guest included a statuesque Ursula Andress, who reminded him that her character was called 'She Who Must Be Obeyed'. 'Yes, darling, and you still are,' said 'Saint' Peter with a saucy grin, 'what would you like me to do?'

Also appearing were Caroline Munro, David Rintoul, David Prowse, Joanna Lumley, Freddie Jones, Kevin Francis, Gwen Watford, a hale-and-hearty Peter Gray and Peter Ustinov. John Mills and Christopher Lee sent pre-recorded announcements – Lee telling Cushing that he was 'a delight and a despair – the only actor who can read the Times, drink his whisky and soda, light his pipe and deliver his lines all at the same time'. Lee finished with the Holmesian advice – 'Step out!' Roy Ward Baker, Anthony Hinds and Sir James Carreras were also among those present.

Joyce revealed that Cushing was actually aware beforehand that he was going to be featured on the programme, and was worried that he would not appear sufficiently alarmed when Michael Aspel presented him with the famous red book. His actor's talents were undimmed, and when 'surprised' he delivered the priceless – if unlikely – line, 'It's just as well I wore my toupee, isn't it?'

Series 30 subjects