Connor on BBC TV (1948) In London, England (1960)

EDRIC  CONNOR DATE OF BIRTH: August 2, 1913 PLACE OF BIRTH: Mayaro, Trinidad EDUCATION: ... CAREER:                                       Connor left Trinidad for England in 1944 and went on to pursue a successful career, both as a singer and an actor. In 1951, he arranged for the TASPO steelband to perform in the Festival of Britain at the South Bank Complex in London. In 1952, he combined with the singing group "The Caribbeans" to record the folk music album "Rookoombine." He performed in the London play "Summer Song" and went on to become the first Black actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1956, he recorded the first Manchester United Soccer Club song, "The Manchester United Calypso." In the 1960s, he appeared on British television in three series: Danger Man; The Avengers; and Man In A Suitcase. Connor's film appearances included: 1951 - Cry The Beloved Country [Character: John Kumalo] 1954 - West of Zanzibar [Character: Ushingo] 1956 - Moby Dick [Character: Daggoo] 1957 - Seven Thunders [Character: Abou]; Fire Down Below [Character: Jimmy Jean] 1958 - The Roots of Heaven [Character: Waitari]; The Vikings [Character: Sandpiper]; Virgin Island [Character: Captain Jason] 1961 - King of Kings [Character: Balthazar] 1963 - Four for Texas [Character: Prince George, Carriage Driver] 1968 - Only When I Larf [Character: Awana]; Nobody Runs Forever [Character: Julius]                                                        In addition to the above films, he was the African music advisor for the 1954 British film "The Heart of the Matter." His published works include: "Edric and Pearl Connor Papers (1943-1977)"; and "1958 - Songs from Trinidad" (Collected and Edited by Edric Connor). DIED: October 16, 1968, in London, England, after suffering a stroke. Compiled by Ronald C. Emrit