Tony Selby 1938-2021Bookmark and Share

Monday, 6 September 2021 - Reported by Marcus
Tony Selby (Credit: Chuck Foster)

The actor Tony Selby has died at the age of 83.

Tony Selby had a long and illustrious career spanning more than 70 years and appearing on Stage, on Television and in Films. 

He played the role of Sabalom Glitz in three Doctor Who stories. In 1986 he appeared alongside sixth Doctor Colin Baker in the first section of the Trial of a Timelord season, The Mysterious Planet. The character returned for the conclusion to the season in The Ultimate Foe

The following year he returned to the series, this time appearing with Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy in Dragonfire

 

Born in London in 1938, Selby trained at the famous Italia Conti Stage School.  One of his first TV appearances was in the TV play Mencius Was a Bad Boy appearing as Pig at the age of 13. Over the next 70 years he would be a constant presence on TV with appearances in programmes such as Compact, No Hiding Place, The Wednesday Play,  Shine a Light, Z Cars, Catweazle, Ace of Wands, Minder, Crown Court, The Good Life, Moody and Pegg, Jack of Diamonds, Hideaway, Mulberry, Love Hurts, The Detectives, The Bill and Dream Team.

One of his most memorable roles was as Corporal Marsh in the ITV sitcom Get Some In! about life in National Service. He appeared in EastEnders playing Clive Mitchell. 

On the stage, he appeared in the original production of Edward Bond's controversial play Saved at the Royal Court Theatre.

Film work included roles in Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall and Alfie as well as an uncredited role in Superman


Tony Selby's death was announced by his management LCM Limited. In a statement, they said

With great sadness, we announce that actor Tony Selby passed away peacefully in London yesterday.

In a career spanning 70 years in theatre, film and TV, Tony was highly respected and loved by family, friends and colleagues.

His renowned sense of humour will be missed by us all.