29 Facts About Gary Holton

Gary Frederick Holton was a British singer-songwriter, musician and actor from London.

Gary Holton was born in Clapham, south London, the first child of Ernie and Joan Holton, and grew up in Kennington.

Early on in his life, Gary Holton began working in the theatre world with the Sadler's Wells Opera Company, debuting in opera appearances aged eleven, and was with them for three years.

Gary Holton made his screen acting debut in 1979, when he played the character of Eddie Hairstyle in the television movie The Knowledge with Michael Elphick and Kim Taylforth.

Gary Holton did not receive much credit for this role, nor for his role as an uncredited character in the film Quadrophenia, released the same year.

However, after appearing in the television series Shoestring, Gary Holton played the lead part of Ken in the 1979 film Bloody Kids.

Gary Holton appeared as a minor character in the 1981 television film Tiny Revolutions, and guest-starred as Rick Sloan in the television series The Gentle Touch.

Gary Holton sang the theme tune to 1980s British children's drama, Murphy's Mob, which was produced by Central Television.

Norris was the first of the seven main characters to be cast, after Gary Holton met Ian La Frenais at a party.

The final episode of the second series, broadcast after Gary Holton's death, was dedicated to his memory.

Gary Holton appeared in the TV series Minder, in which he played villain Barry, in 1984.

Gary Holton briefly appeared in the first episode of the television series Bulman the following year.

Gary Holton appeared in an episode of Shoestring filmed in Bristol.

Gary Holton was offered the role of villain 'Nasty' Nick Cotton in the television soap opera EastEnders, but he turned down the role and it was instead given to Gary Holton's friend John Altman, who bore a strong resemblance to him, and would go on to succeed him as the lead singer of the Heavy Metal Kids.

Gary Holton was the front-man for the band, which formed in 1972.

In December 1975, the group signed with producer Mickie Most's RAK label but before work could begin on their next album, Gary Holton was sacked amid a storm of drink- and drug-related headlines.

In late 1977, Gary Holton rejoined the band for a handful of live shows and the long-delayed third album, Kitsch.

The lack of commercial success led to the break-up of the band and Gary Holton returned to acting.

Gary Holton had a string of relationships in the early to mid 1970s.

At the time of his death, Gary Holton had long separated from Harrison and was engaged to hairdresser Jahnet McIllwain.

Gary Holton was found dead by his fiancee Jahnet McIllwain in his bed on 25 October 1985.

Gary Holton had died from an overdose of alcohol and morphine, with traces of diazepam and cannabis in his system.

Gary Holton had been a drug user for several years after experiences through the music scene and was addicted to heroin, a habit he had quit some time after the first series of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet had been broadcast.

Gary Holton was considering setting up a clinic to help others with their addictions.

Gary Holton died midway through the second series of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, but the producers used body doubles and editing of dialogue already recorded to allow the series to be completed.

Gary Holton had been due to star in the pantomime Peter Pan that upcoming Christmas.

Gary Holton was survived by his son, Red, with model Susan Harrison.

Gary Holton's funeral took place on 22 November 1985, with a 15-minute service at Golders Green Crematorium in London.

Gary Holton's ashes were placed on his grandparents' grave in Maesgwastad Cemetery, Welshpool.