Movies - TV
The Only Surviving Stars Of The Great Escape
By JEREMY SMITH
John Sturges’ World War II epic, “The Great Escape,” captures the thrilling escape efforts of British and American POWs at a German prison camp.
Part of what makes the film so spectacular is its star-studded cast, which includes Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson. Sadly, only two cast members are alive today.
John Leyton
John Leyton, who played Flight Lieutenant Willie Dickes, had been a teen idol due to his portrayal of Ginger Hebblethwaite on the 1960 TV adaptation of “Biggles.”
Joining “The Great Escape” allowed Layton to prove himself a serious actor following his brief pop career. He continued to record and tour into the 2010s before retiring.
William Russell
William Russell is mostly recognized as Ian Chesterton in “Doctor Who,” but he also played a member of the security detail in “The Great Escape” named Sorren.
Russell’s other notable works include his role as Lancelot in “The Adventures of Sir Lancelot.” The actor reprised his role as Ian Chesterton in 2022’s “The Power of the Doctor.”