When Nick Tate--he is
Australian, and he was born in
Sydney (but in 1942)--went along
to be interviewed for a role in
'Space 1999', he was one of many
hopeful young actors looking for a
break.
It didn't look too hopeful, if
he'd got his sights on a starring
part. Mainly because the original
scripts had earmarked the
character of Chief Eagle Pilot to
be an Italian. Doubtless there are
blond Italians--many of them.
 |
Australian. Born Sydney, 1969. Ex
Navy flier accepted for astronautics
training. Showed remarkable aptitude
for control of Moonbase ferry
vehicles (classified EAGLES - see
origination files MB/3/C.E - 1-6)
and rose to instructor, Grade A, on
all facets of handling. Qualified in
all fields of navigation, command,
maintenance and adaptation. Single,
of ice-calm character, has an
enquiring mind and a nerveless
bravery that will make him undertake
missions in the face of any danger.
Is responsible not only for EAGLE
flights but for training of
replacement crews from Moonbase
personnel. |
|
But it's not really a typical
physical feature. However,
producers Gerry and Sylvia
Anderson liked the young Aussie,
and so the script editors had a re-
think, and Nick got the job.
That he should be an actor is no
surprise. Nick's father is the noted
character player John Tate, and
his mother is also an actress (and
singer) Neva Carr-Glynn, who
works in Australia. Nick began as
a child actor. His parents were
divorced when he was twelve, and
he remained 'down under' while
his father went to England.
Eventually, Nick followed in his
footsteps, to meet with mixed
fortunes. There was a fair amount
of TV work, and some small parts
in films, but there were long out-
of-work periods. "I filled in by
doing all sorts of other jobs," he
says. "Lifeguard at swimming
pools, demonstrating products at
exhibitions, market research. . ." |
He had roles in such shows
as 'Sherlock Holmes', 'Trouble-
shooters', 'The Detectives'. He
was in the films 'Battle of Britain',
'Submarine X-1', 'The High
Commissioner', 'A Man For All
Seasons'. . .
But the big oppurtunity--for a
leading role in 'The Canterbury
Tales'--took him home. It was in
the touring company, which went
straight to Australia. He reckoned
to be there seven weeks--but
remained five years.
"The tour was such a success,"
he remembers, "that I became
known. I did some TV series, some
stage work. Plenty of experience."
And with that experience under
his belt, Nick came back to
England. He should have flown
here in an Eagle, for within days of
reaching London, he'd landed
himself the part of Alan Carter,
Chief Space Pilot on Moonbase
Alpha! | |
