Known for movies
Short Info
Date Of Birth | July 23, 1947 |
Spouse | Susan 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 |
Fact | Performed 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 Name | David Essex |
Date Of Birth | July 23, 1947 |
Height | 1.77 m |
Profession | Film Score Composer, Singer-songwriter, Actor, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star |
Nationality | English |
Family
Spouse | Susan 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 |
Children | Verity Cook, Kit Cook, Billy Cook, Danny Cook, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star |
Parents | Albert Cook, Olive Cook, A Winter's Tale, Rock On, Gonna Make You A Star |
Accomplishments
Nominations | Grammy 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 |
Movies | The Guvnors, Kabuto, Hands Up!, Silver Dream Racer, The Big Bus, Stardust, That'll Be the Day, Octaman |
TV Shows | The River |
Social profile links
Quotes
# | Quote |
---|---|
1 | In the '70s, '60s, '80s, everybody knew what was in the charts. |
2 | I 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] |
3 | A 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 |
---|---|
1 | Owns 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. |
2 | Created 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. |
3 | Is a gypsy and is a past president of the Romany Union of Great Britain. |
4 | David 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. |
5 | Nominated for a Grammy for his smash hit single "Rock On" in 1974. |
6 | Performed in musical versions of "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "She Stoops to Conquer." |
7 | He 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
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
The Black Prince | 2016 | post-production | Colonel Hurbon |
The Guvnors | 2014 | Mickey Snr | |
Traveller | 2013/I | Blackberry | |
EastEnders | 2011 | TV Series | Eddie Moon Eddie |
Tribe | 2011 | Blackberry | |
Heartbeat | 2000 | TV Series | Johnny Lee |
Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore | 1992 | Video | |
Journey of Honor | 1991 | Don Pedro | |
The River | 1988 | TV Series | Davey Jackson |
Lyrics by Tim Rice | 1985 | Video | Che / Himself (segment "Oh, What A Circus' / 'A Winter's Tale") |
Rece do góry | 1981 | ||
Silver Dream Racer | 1980 | Nick Freeman | |
David Essex | 1977 | TV Series | Host |
The Big Bus | 1976 | Bus Passenger | |
The Christmas Messenger | 1975 | TV Short | The Storyteller (voice) |
Twiggy | 1975 | TV Series | |
¡Señoras y señores! | 1975 | TV Series | |
Stardust | 1974 | Jim MacLaine | |
London Bridge | 1974 | TV Series | |
Sez Les | 1973 | TV Series | Special Guest |
The John Denver Show | 1973 | TV Series | |
That'll Be the Day | 1973 | Jim MacLaine | |
All Coppers Are... | 1972 | Ronnie Briggs | |
Carry on Henry VIII | 1971 | Man At Speaker's Corner (scenes deleted) | |
In the Devil's Garden | 1971/I | Man in Chemist Shop | |
Smashing Time | 1967 | Beatnik (uncredited) |
Soundtrack
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Dream a Little Dream | 1989 | writer: "Rock On" | |
Happy Families | TV Series performer - 2 episodes, 1985 writer - 1 episode, 1985 | ||
The Two Ronnies | 1982 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Cannon and Ball | 1982 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Silver Dream Racer | 1980 | performer: "Silver Dream Machine", "Looking for Someone" / writer: "Silver Dream Machine", "Looking for Someone", "I Think I'll Always Love You" | |
Top of the Pops | TV Series performer - 11 episodes, 1975 - 1980 writer - 5 episodes, 1975 - 1980 | ||
Hi-Riders | 1978 | lyrics: "Rock On" / music: "Rock On" / performer: "Rock On" | |
All This and World War II | 1976 | Documentary performer: "Yesterday" | |
Stardust | 1974 | performer: "You Kept Me Waiting", "Take It Away", "Dea Sancta", "Stardust" / writer: "Stardust" | |
That'll Be the Day | 1973 | performer: "Rock On", "Singing The Blues" uncredited / writer: "Rock On" | |
Lorraine | 2016 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Sounds of the 80s | 2015 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Cut Snake | 2014 | performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" - as D. Essex | |
EastEnders | 2012 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
Britain's Favourite Christmas Songs | 2011 | TV Movie documentary performer: "A Winter's Tale" | |
The Hooker with a Heart of Gold | 2010 | performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" | |
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | 2009 | TV Series writer - 1 episode | |
Cold Case | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2008 writer - 1 episode, 2008 | ||
War of the Servers | 2007 | performer: "Brave New World" | |
The Sopranos | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2007 writer - 1 episode, 2007 | ||
Extras | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2005 writer - 1 episode, 2005 | ||
The Long Weekend | 2005 | performer: "Hold Me Close" / writer: "Hold Me Close" | |
The Devil's Rejects | 2005 | performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" | |
Six Feet Under | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2003 writer - 1 episode, 2003 | ||
For Earth Below | 2002 | Short performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" | |
Savage Honeymoon | 2000 | performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" | |
Dick | 1999 | performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" | |
Stars in Their Eyes | 1993-1999 | TV Series writer - 2 episodes | |
Car Trouble, Darlin' | 1994 | Short performer: "Rock On" / writer: "Rock On" | |
Baywatch | TV Series performer - 1 episode, 1994 writer - 1 episode, 1994 | ||
New Year's Rockin' Eve 1990 | 1989 | TV Special writer: "Rock On" - uncredited |
Music Department
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
The River | TV Series music arranger - 6 episodes, 1988 music producer - 6 episodes, 1988 singer - 6 episodes, 1988 |
Composer
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
The River | 1988 | TV Series 6 episodes | |
Silver Dream Racer | 1980 |
Self
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
The David Essex Story | Documentary completed | Himself | |
Lorraine | 2016 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
The Wright Stuff | 2005-2015 | TV Series | Himself - Guest Panelist / Guest Panelist |
Mel & Sue | 2015 | TV Series | Himself |
Loose Women | 2003-2014 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Performer |
Daybreak | 2011 | TV Series | Himself - LA Correspondent |
The One Show | 2008-2011 | TV Series | Himself - Guest / Himself |
The 5 O'Clock Show | 2010 | TV Series | Himself |
The Alan Titchmarsh Show | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
The Story of Light Entertainment | 2006 | TV Mini-Series documentary | Himself |
Bring Back... The Christmas Number One | 2005 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day? | 2005 | Documentary | Mervyn's Grandfather (voice) |
Today with Des and Mel | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
The Afternoon Show | 2002 | TV Series | Himself - Performer |
Kelly | 2002 | TV Series | Himself |
10 Years of Heartbeat | 2002 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Liquid News | 2001 | TV Series | Himself |
Live Talk | 2000 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
Winton's Wonderland | 1999 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
Never Mind the Buzzcocks | 1999 | TV Series | Himself |
The Frank Skinner Show | 1999 | TV Series | Himself |
Noel's House Party | 1997 | TV Series | Himself |
The Radio One Story | 1997 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Surprise Surprise! | 1993-1997 | TV Series | Himself |
Barrymore | 1997 | TV Series | Himself |
Mondo Rosso | 1995 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
Live & Kicking | 1994 | TV Series | Himself |
This Is Your Life | 1992 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
Noel's Christmas Presents | 1990 | TV Movie | Himself |
The Royal Variety Performance 1989 | 1989 | TV Movie | Himself |
Juke Box Jury | 1989 | TV Series | Himself - Panellist |
The Noel Edmonds Saturday Roadshow | 1989 | TV Series | Himself |
Live from Her Majesty's | 1984-1987 | TV Series | Himself |
No 73 | 1985 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest / Himself |
Aspel & Company | 1985 | TV Series | Himself |
The Saturday Show | 1984 | TV Series | Himself |
Saturday Superstore | 1982-1983 | TV Series | Himself |
Pop Quiz | 1982 | TV Series | Himself |
The Two Ronnies | 1982 | TV Series | Himself |
The Video Age | 1982 | TV Series | Himself |
The David Essex Showcase | 1982 | TV Series | Himself |
Cannon and Ball | 1982 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
Get Set for Summer | 1981 | TV Series | Himself |
The Kenny Everett Video Show | 1979-1981 | TV Series | Himself |
Friday Night, Saturday Morning | 1980 | TV Series | Himself |
Get It Together | 1980 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
On the Road | 1979 | TV Series documentary | Performer |
Top of the Pops | 1973-1979 | TV Series | Himself / Gonna Make You A Star / Guest / ... |
Numéro 1 | 1975-1978 | TV Series | Himself |
Saturday Night at the Mill | 1978 | TV Series | Himself |
The Basil Brush Show | 1976 | TV Series | Himself |
Music-Hall à Provins | 1976 | TV Series | Himself |
New American Bandstand 1965 | 1974-1975 | TV Series | Himself |
The 17th Annual Grammy Awards | 1975 | TV Special | Himself |
Dinah! | 1975 | TV Series | Himself |
In Concert | 1975 | TV Series | Himself |
Disco | 1975 | TV Series | Himself |
Rock Concert | 1974-1975 | TV Series | Himself |
45 | 1974 | TV Series | Himself |
Twiggs | 1974 | TV Series | Himself |
Top à... | 1973-1974 | TV Series | Himself |
In Session | 1974 | TV Series | Himself |
Lift Off | 1970 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - As David & Rozaa |
Set 'em Up Joe | 1969 | TV Series | Himself |
Discotheque | 1968 | TV Series | Himself |
Five O'Clock Club | 1966 | TV Series | Himself |
Archive Footage
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Where Are They Now? The Reunions | 2016 | TV Movie documentary | |
Sounds of the 80s | 2015 | TV Series | Himself |
Top of the Pops: The Story of 1977 | 2012 | TV Movie documentary | Himself (uncredited) |
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds: Minigame Adventure | 2011 | Video Game | The Artilleryman |
War of the Servers | 2007 | Artilleryman (uncredited) | |
The Best of the Royal Variety | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
Girls and Boys: Sex and British Pop | 2005 | TV Mini-Series documentary | Himself |
The 100 Greatest Musicals | 2003 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
Glam Rock: The DVD | 2003 | Video | Himself |
Top of the Pops 2 | 1994 | TV Series | Himself |
Clapper Board | 1981 | TV Series | |
Top of the Pops | 1978-1980 | TV Series | Himself |
Awards
Nominated Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
---|---|---|---|---|
1974 | BAFTA Film Award | BAFTA Awards | Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles | That'll Be the Day (1973) |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia