Alexander Austin Willis, CM (30 September 1917 – 4 April 2004) was a Canadian actor and television host.[1][2]

Austin Willis
Austin Willis and Dick Fry Perform from the CHNS Studio, Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born(1917-09-30)30 September 1917
Died4 April 2004(2004-04-04) (aged 86)
Occupation(s)Actor, television host
Years active1947–1986
Spouses
(m. 1953; div. 1962)
Gwen LaForty
(m. 1984)
Children2

Biography

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Austin was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to parents Alexander Samuel and Emma Graham (Pushie) Willis. His older brother, J. Frank Willis, was a radio broadcaster with the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (later the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).

In 2002, Austin was made a Member of the Order of Canada. He is best known internationally for his appearance as Simmons, the man whom Auric Goldfinger beats at cards in the opening scenes of the James Bond film, Goldfinger. Originally he was to have played Felix Leiter but, at the last minute, fellow Canadian Cec Linder switched roles with him.[3]

In Canada, he had a varied film and TV career, ranging from the early science-fiction series Space Command, to hosting Cross-Canada Hit Parade for several years in the 1950s. In the 1970s he found new fans as the host of the humorous game show This Is the Law. He also hosted the TV filler program So The Story Goes.

Willis was married twice. His first marriage was in 1953, to Canadian actress Kate Reid, and they had two children together before divorcing in 1962. He married Gwen LaForty in 1984, and was with her until his death, at 86, in 2004.[4]

Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ "Willis, Austin, 1917-2004". memoryns.ca. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  2. ^ League, The Broadway. "Austin Willis – Broadway Cast & Staff - IBDB". www.ibdb.com.
  3. ^ p.49 Dunbar, Brian Goldfinger: Director, Guy Hamilton 2001 Longman
  4. ^ "'This Is the Law' host Austin Willis dead at 86". CBC News.
  5. ^ "The Montreal Gazette - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com.
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