Maurice Colbourne

Maurice Colbourne (September 24, 1939 – August 4, 1989) was a distinguished British actor renowned for his portrayals of tough characters and villains on stage and television. Originally named Roger Middleton, he adopted the name Maurice Colbourne after learning about the passing of an actor who shared his birthday. His career took off in the 1970s, achieving significant recognition for his leading role in the crime drama series *Gangsters*, which showcased his talent for complex characters.

The 1980s marked a pivotal period for Colbourne, particularly with his portrayal of Tom Howard in the BBC Television series *Howards' Way*. This role became a defining moment in his career, earning him widespread acclaim until his untimely passing at the age of 49 from a heart attack. In addition to *Howards' Way*, he starred in the series *Johnny Jarvis* and made a notable appearance in the acclaimed adaptation of John Wyndham’s sci-fi classic, *The Day of the Triffids*.

Colbourne also had a memorable recurring role in the iconic series *Doctor Who*, where he played the mercenary Lytton alongside the Fifth and Sixth Doctors, engaging in thrilling encounters with the Daleks and Cybermen. His contributions to television left an indelible mark, and he is fondly remembered for his dynamic performances until the show's conclusion in 1990.