Biography
Alister Williamson (17 June 1918 – 19 May 1999) was an Australian-born character actor who featured in numerous British films and television shows during the 1960s and 1970s. A large, rugged-faced man, he often portrayed gruff police inspectors or henchmen in adventure series and police dramas of that era. He was also recognized as a supporting actor in several classic British horror movies.
He regularly appeared in TV series such as Adam Adamant Lives!, The Avengers, Paul Temple, Police Surgeon, Public Eye, The Saint, Softly, Softly, Special Branch, The Third Man, and Z-Cars. Additionally, he made guest appearances in popular sitcoms of the time, including Please Sir!, Dad's Army, The Galton and Simpson Playhouse, George and Mildred, The Likely Lads, Man About the House, and That's My Boy.
In film, he frequently acted in horror productions, often playing policemen or landlords for studios like Hammer Studios, Amicus, and AIP throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. His filmography includes The Curse of the Werewolf (1961), The Evil of Frankenstein (1963), The Gorgon (1964), and The Deadly Bees (1966). In 1969, he took on his sole leading role in Gordon Hessler's The Oblong Box, starring alongside Vincent Price and Christopher Lee. Originally intended for Price, Williamson portrayed the disfigured Sir Edward Markham, hidden beneath a red velvet hood until the film's final reveal. However, his voice was considered unsuitable and was dubbed over for the film's release. Following this, he returned to supporting roles, as seen in The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971).
