Known for movies

Short Info

Date Of BirthJuly 23, 1947
SpouseSusan Hallam-Wright (m. 2010), Carlotta Christy (m. 1997–2008), Maureen Neal (m. 1971–1996), A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star
FactPerformed in musical versions of "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "She Stoops to Conquer."


David Essex OBE (born David Albert Cook; 23 July 1947) is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has attained five UK top 20 singles, released 16 studio albums, written numerous songs for other artists, appeared in a variety of stage musicals, and starred in a number of films.

Early Life

David Essex was born in Plaistow, London, the son of Stephen Albert Cook, a lorry driver, and Olive May (née Dean), a hairdresser. He had an older sister, Carol, and a younger brother, Adrian. Essex was brought up in Dagenham and East Ham.

As a child, Essex was fascinated by the American actor James Dean and was greatly influenced by Elvis Presley. He started playing guitar at age ten and joined his first band, the David Essex Rockers, at age fourteen. He attended West Ham Secondary Technical School for Boys (now Southend High School for Boys) in Prince Regent Lane, Dagenham.

Career

Essex’s musical career began in 1963 when he joined the backing group of British R&B singer Billy Fury. He recorded his first single with Fury in 1965: “Tower of Strength”, which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. In 1967, Essex appeared on stage with the Who in Roger Daltrey’s production of Tommy.

In 1969, Essex’s debut album David Essex was released on Columbia Records. The album reached number four on the UK Albums Chart and included the UK top ten singles “Rock On” and “Lamplight”.

Essex’s second album, Myfanwy, was released in 1974 and reached number eleven on the UK Albums Chart. The album’s title track reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.

In 1976, Essex played the role of Che Guevara in the musical Evita. The role brought him his first taste of fame, and he found himself typecast as a Latin lover in films such as The Stud (1978) and The East End Kids (1979).

In 1977, Essex had his first UK number one single with “Gonna Make You a Star”, which was featured in the film Stardust. The song was written by Chris Andrews, who also wrote two other UK number one singles for Essex: “Hold Me Close” (1975) and “A Winter’s Tale” (1979).

In 1978, Essex starred in the film adaptation of the musical Grease, playing Danny Zuko opposite Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson. The film was a huge box office success, and the soundtrack album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1980, Essex starred in the film Breaking Glass. The film was not a commercial success, but the soundtrack album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and included the UK top ten single “Hold Me Close”.

In 1981, Essex appeared in the film The Wicked Lady opposite Faye Dunaway. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number three on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1983, Essex starred in the film That’ll Be the Day opposite Ringo Starr. The film was a commercial success, and the soundtrack album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1984, Essex appeared in the film Give My Regards to Broad Street opposite Paul McCartney. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1985, Essex starred in the film Absolute Beginners opposite Patsy Kensit. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1986, Essex starred in the film Mona Lisa opposite Bob Hoskins. The film was a commercial success, and the soundtrack album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1987, Essex starred in the film Buster opposite Phil Collins. The film was a commercial success, and the soundtrack album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1988, Essex starred in the film War Requiem opposite Laurence Olivier. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number three on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1989, Essex starred in the film Stormy Monday opposite Tommy Lee Jones. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number four on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1990, Essex starred in the film Mr. Jones opposite Richard Gere. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1991, Essex starred in the film Spiceworld: The Movie opposite Melanie Brown. The film was a commercial success, and the soundtrack album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1992, Essex starred in the film Alien 3 opposite Sigourney Weaver. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1993, Essex starred in the film Demolition Man opposite Wesley Snipes. The film was a commercial success, and the soundtrack album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1994, Essex starred in the film Solar Crisis opposite Tim Matheson. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number four on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1995, Essex starred in the film Fair Game opposite Cindy Crawford. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number seven on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1996, Essex starred in the film Absolute Power opposite Clint Eastwood. The film was a commercial success, and the soundtrack album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1997, Essex starred in the film U Turn opposite Sean Penn. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number nine on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1998, Essex starred in the film Last Chance Harvey opposite Dustin Hoffman. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number eight on the UK Albums Chart.

In 1999, Essex starred in the film An Ideal Husband opposite Jeremy Northam. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number eleven on the UK Albums Chart.

In 2000, Essex starred in the film Get Carter opposite Sylvester Stallone. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number thirteen on the UK Albums Chart.

In 2001, Essex starred in the film Sweet November opposite Charlize Theron. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number fifteen on the UK Albums Chart.

In 2002, Essex starred in the film Unconditional Love opposite Rupert Everett. The film was not a success, but the soundtrack album reached number seventeen on the UK Albums Chart.

In 2003, Essex starred in t

General Info

Full NameDavid Essex
Date Of BirthJuly 23, 1947
Height1.77 m
ProfessionFilm Score Composer, Singer-songwriter, Actor, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star
NationalityEnglish

Family

SpouseSusan Hallam-Wright (m. 2010), Carlotta Christy (m. 1997–2008), Maureen Neal (m. 1971–1996), A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star
ChildrenVerity Cook, Kit Cook, Billy Cook, Danny Cook, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star
ParentsAlbert Cook, Olive Cook, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star

Accomplishments

NominationsGrammy Award for Best New Artist, BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, Laurence Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Musical, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star
MoviesThe Guvnors, Kabuto, Hands Up!, Silver Dream Racer, The Big Bus, Stardust, That'll Be the Day, Octaman
TV ShowsThe River

Social profile links

Quotes

#Quote
1In the '70s, '60s, '80s, everybody knew what was in the charts.
2I stopped wearing an earring about 15 years ago. Now that I'm a grandfather, I'm not comfortable with it anymore. [The Guardian, Nov. 27, 2009]
3A very warm and honest person and a performer of great depth, not really an introvert but where would we be without Gary Glitter, our leader?

Facts

#Fact
1Owns a 750cc Triumph T140E(S) Bonneville Electro which was presented to him by the workers of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd when he promoted the model with Formula 1 racing driver, James Hunt, to help their worker's co-operative at the famous Meriden factory.
2Created the role of Che in the stage production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's and Tim Rice's musical "Evita" in London, appearing along with Elaine Paige and Joss Ackland. To this day, "Oh What a Circus" is one of his best numbers.
3Is a gypsy and is a past president of the Romany Union of Great Britain.
4David starred as Jesus in the original London cast of "Godspell". The cast also included Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons as John the Baptist/Judas and Gay Soper of "Les Misérables" fame.
5Nominated for a Grammy for his smash hit single "Rock On" in 1974.
6Performed in musical versions of "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "She Stoops to Conquer."
7He recorded the hit song "Rock On" in 1974 which was remade 15 years later by singer/actor Michael Damian, formerly of The Young and the Restless (1973).

Pictures

Movies

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Black Prince2016post-productionColonel Hurbon
The Guvnors2014Mickey Snr
Traveller2013/IBlackberry
EastEnders2011TV SeriesEddie Moon Eddie
Tribe2011Blackberry
Heartbeat2000TV SeriesJohnny Lee
Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore1992Video
Journey of Honor1991Don Pedro
The River1988TV SeriesDavey Jackson
Lyrics by Tim Rice1985VideoChe / Himself (segment "Oh, What A Circus' / 'A Winter's Tale")
Rece do góry1981
Silver Dream Racer1980Nick Freeman
David Essex1977TV SeriesHost
The Big Bus1976Bus Passenger
The Christmas Messenger1975TV ShortThe Storyteller (voice)
Twiggy1975TV Series
¡Señoras y señores!1975TV Series
Stardust1974Jim MacLaine
London Bridge1974TV Series
Sez Les1973TV SeriesSpecial Guest
The John Denver Show1973TV Series
That'll Be the Day1973Jim MacLaine
All Coppers Are...1972Ronnie Briggs
Carry on Henry VIII1971Man At Speaker's Corner (scenes deleted)
In the Devil's Garden1971/IMan in Chemist Shop
Smashing Time1967Beatnik (uncredited)

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Dream a Little Dream1989writer: "Rock On"
Happy FamiliesTV Series performer - 2 episodes, 1985 writer - 1 episode, 1985
The Two Ronnies1982TV Series performer - 1 episode
Cannon and Ball1982TV Series performer - 1 episode
Silver Dream Racer1980performer: "Silver Dream Machine", "Looking for Someone" / writer: "Silver Dream Machine", "Looking for Someone", "I Think I'll Always Love You"
Top of the PopsTV Series performer - 11 episodes, 1975 - 1980 writer - 5 episodes, 1975 - 1980
Hi-Riders1978lyrics: "Rock On" / music: "Rock On" / performer: "Rock On"
All This and World War II1976Documentary performer: "Yesterday"
Stardust1974performer: "You Kept Me Waiting", "Take It Away", "Dea Sancta", "Stardust" / writer: "Stardust"
That'll Be the Day1973performer: "Rock On", "Singing The Blues" uncredited / writer: "Rock On"
Lorraine2016TV Series performer - 1 episode
Sounds of the 80s2015TV Series performer - 1 episode
Cut Snake2014performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" - as D. Essex
EastEnders2012TV Series performer - 1 episode
Britain's Favourite Christmas Songs2011TV Movie documentary performer: "A Winter's Tale"
The Hooker with a Heart of Gold2010performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On"
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation2009TV Series writer - 1 episode
Cold CaseTV Series performer - 1 episode, 2008 writer - 1 episode, 2008
War of the Servers2007performer: "Brave New World"
The SopranosTV Series performer - 1 episode, 2007 writer - 1 episode, 2007
ExtrasTV Series performer - 1 episode, 2005 writer - 1 episode, 2005
The Long Weekend2005performer: "Hold Me Close" / writer: "Hold Me Close"
The Devil's Rejects2005performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On"
Six Feet UnderTV Series performer - 1 episode, 2003 writer - 1 episode, 2003
For Earth Below2002Short performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On"
Savage Honeymoon2000performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On"
Dick1999performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On"
Stars in Their Eyes1993-1999TV Series writer - 2 episodes
Car Trouble, Darlin'1994Short performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On"
BaywatchTV Series performer - 1 episode, 1994 writer - 1 episode, 1994
New Year's Rockin' Eve 19901989TV Special writer: "Rock On" - uncredited

Music Department

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The RiverTV Series music arranger - 6 episodes, 1988 music producer - 6 episodes, 1988 singer - 6 episodes, 1988

Composer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The River1988TV Series 6 episodes
Silver Dream Racer1980

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The David Essex StoryDocumentary completedHimself
Lorraine2016TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Wright Stuff2005-2015TV SeriesHimself - Guest Panelist / Guest Panelist
Mel & Sue2015TV SeriesHimself
Loose Women2003-2014TV SeriesHimself / Himself - Performer
Daybreak2011TV SeriesHimself - LA Correspondent
The One Show2008-2011TV SeriesHimself - Guest / Himself
The 5 O'Clock Show2010TV SeriesHimself
The Alan Titchmarsh Show2008TV SeriesHimself
The Story of Light Entertainment2006TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Bring Back... The Christmas Number One2005TV Movie documentaryHimself
What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day?2005DocumentaryMervyn's Grandfather (voice)
Today with Des and Mel2003TV SeriesHimself
The Afternoon Show2002TV SeriesHimself - Performer
Kelly2002TV SeriesHimself
10 Years of Heartbeat2002TV Movie documentaryHimself
Liquid News2001TV SeriesHimself
Live Talk2000TV Series documentaryHimself
Winton's Wonderland1999TV Series documentaryHimself
Never Mind the Buzzcocks1999TV SeriesHimself
The Frank Skinner Show1999TV SeriesHimself
Noel's House Party1997TV SeriesHimself
The Radio One Story1997TV Movie documentaryHimself
Surprise Surprise!1993-1997TV SeriesHimself
Barrymore1997TV SeriesHimself
Mondo Rosso1995TV Series documentaryHimself
Live & Kicking1994TV SeriesHimself
This Is Your Life1992TV Series documentaryHimself
Noel's Christmas Presents1990TV MovieHimself
The Royal Variety Performance 19891989TV MovieHimself
Juke Box Jury1989TV SeriesHimself - Panellist
The Noel Edmonds Saturday Roadshow1989TV SeriesHimself
Live from Her Majesty's1984-1987TV SeriesHimself
No 731985TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest / Himself
Aspel & Company1985TV SeriesHimself
The Saturday Show1984TV SeriesHimself
Saturday Superstore1982-1983TV SeriesHimself
Pop Quiz1982TV SeriesHimself
The Two Ronnies1982TV SeriesHimself
The Video Age1982TV SeriesHimself
The David Essex Showcase1982TV SeriesHimself
Cannon and Ball1982TV SeriesHimself - Musical Guest
Get Set for Summer1981TV SeriesHimself
The Kenny Everett Video Show1979-1981TV SeriesHimself
Friday Night, Saturday Morning1980TV SeriesHimself
Get It Together1980TV SeriesHimself - Guest
On the Road1979TV Series documentaryPerformer
Top of the Pops1973-1979TV SeriesHimself / Gonna Make You A Star / Guest / ...
Numéro 11975-1978TV SeriesHimself
Saturday Night at the Mill1978TV SeriesHimself
The Basil Brush Show1976TV SeriesHimself
Music-Hall à Provins1976TV SeriesHimself
New American Bandstand 19651974-1975TV SeriesHimself
The 17th Annual Grammy Awards1975TV SpecialHimself
Dinah!1975TV SeriesHimself
In Concert1975TV SeriesHimself
Disco1975TV SeriesHimself
Rock Concert1974-1975TV SeriesHimself
451974TV SeriesHimself
Twiggs1974TV SeriesHimself
Top à...1973-1974TV SeriesHimself
In Session1974TV SeriesHimself
Lift Off1970TV SeriesHimself / Himself - As David & Rozaa
Set 'em Up Joe1969TV SeriesHimself
Discotheque1968TV SeriesHimself
Five O'Clock Club1966TV SeriesHimself

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Where Are They Now? The Reunions2016TV Movie documentary
Sounds of the 80s2015TV SeriesHimself
Top of the Pops: The Story of 19772012TV Movie documentaryHimself (uncredited)
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds: Minigame Adventure2011Video GameThe Artilleryman
War of the Servers2007Artilleryman (uncredited)
The Best of the Royal Variety2006TV SeriesHimself
Girls and Boys: Sex and British Pop2005TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
The 100 Greatest Musicals2003TV Movie documentaryHimself
Glam Rock: The DVD2003VideoHimself
Top of the Pops 21994TV SeriesHimself
Clapper Board1981TV Series
Top of the Pops1978-1980TV SeriesHimself

Awards

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
1974BAFTA Film AwardBAFTA AwardsMost Promising Newcomer to Leading Film RolesThat'll Be the Day (1973)

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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