Michael Mellinger

Michael Andreas Mellinger (30 May 1929 – 17 March 2004) was a German actor in film, television, theatre and radio. He was best known for his appearances on the West End and supporting role in the film Goldfinger (1964).

Born in Kochel, Bavaria, Mellinger came from a theatrical background; both his parents were actors. He was sent to boarding school in England, and then qualified at North London Polytechnic as a radio engineer. As recorded in his obituary in The Stage: "He made his skills available to his adopted country by joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. During the war he served in Burma and Ceylon with Radio SEAC, doubling as a disc jockey. However, before joining REME, Winston Churchill issued his order: 'Collar the lot'. Ironically, Mellinger, together with many German Jewish refugees who had fled Hitler, was classified as an enemy alien. He was taken to a detention camp at Kempton Park before being put on The Dunera for internment in Australia.... During his internment Mellinger practised, as best he could, his passion for the theatre and developed his talent as a musician. Upon his release he joined the British Army."

He subsequently trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and in the 1950s was a member of the singing group The Harmonics. For more than 50 years he worked successfully in theatre, film, television and radio. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Berliner Ensemble. His notable film credits include Goldfinger (1964) and Carry On Up the Khyber (1968).