Harry Landis (born Hyman Jacob Londinsky,[2][3] 25 November 1926 – 11 September 2022) was a British actor and theatre director.[4][5] He had a long career in theatre, film and television, spanning over 60 years. Landis was best known for playing barber Felix Kawalski in EastEnders from 1995 to 1997, and Mr. Morris in the Channel 4 sitcom Friday Night Dinner from 2012 to 2014.
Early life and education
Harry Landinski, known as Harry Landis, was born Hyman Jacob Londinsky in Stepney in the East End of London on 25 November 1926.[1] He came from a poor background as the only child of, Sarah (née Sadie Chibulam), and a father, Morris Londinsky, a taxi driver, who left when Harry was a baby.[1] Landis was educated at Stepney Jewish School until he was 14, when he left to become a chef in a kitchen.[6][7] However, he found out that apprenticeships were only available to those aged over 16. Landis got a job in a café, before working as a window cleaner and milkman. While working in a factory, he would perform the show he had seen at the Hackney Empire the previous night, and the shop steward encouraged him to go to the Unity Theatre, which was linked to the trade union and labour movement. After an audition, Landis began working with them.[8] After doing his military service with the British Army during World War II, he returned to the Unity Theatre, and, by then aged 20, he was awarded a grant by the London County Council so he could study at drama school. Landis spent three years at the Central School of Speech & Drama.[7][9]
His first television appearance was in 1955, in the pilot episode of Dixon of Dock Green. Landis appeared in several subsequent episodes, as well as the final episode over 25 years later. He appeared in over 200 TV shows before deciding to return to theatre.[citation needed]
Landis was president of Equity for six years, from 2002 to 2008, and was a board member of the Equity Charitable Trust, from 1994 to 2001, as well as previously being Chairman of the Unity Theatre Trust.[1][10][11][12]
Personal life and death
Landis married actress Hilary Crane (née Strelitz) in 1965; however, the marriage ended in divorce seven years later.[1] The marriage produced a daughter, Katy, and a stepson, Simon, from his wife's previous marriage.
Landis lived in Hammersmith, West London, for over 40 years. Landis returned to live in the East End in the 2010s, with his partner of more than 30 years, Ingrid Curry, buying a flat in Spitalfields.[1][7]
He died from cancer on 11 September 2022, at the age of 95.[1][13]
Selected filmography
Dixon of Dock Green (1955, 1963, 1966, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976) – Finch / Bill Andrews / Jenkins / Lodger / Painter / Banjo Hamilton / Keeley