Simon Lack (19 December 19138 August 1980) was a Scottish actor.
He was born Alexander MacAlpine in Cleland, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Known locally as Alec, he was the youngest child and only son of his father, Alexander McAlpine (known as Sandy) and his mother, Euphemia Ritchie. His sisters were Charlotte (Lottie), Mary, Euphemia (Euphie), Agnes (Nan), and Jenny. Another sister, Jessie, died in childhood. Sandy MacAlpine was a stonemason but worked down the mines when there was no masonry work available, making Simon Lack's later role in Proud Valley particularly poignant to those who knew him from his youth. Euphemia Ritchie's family were somewhat wealthier, but she was disowned on account of her choice of husband, and the family lived for many years in a one-room flat (known in Scottish working class language as a 'single end'), although it seems eventually one of her uncles relented and came to their aid.McMurtrie, M (Great niece, from personal knowledge of 'Uncle Alec' and immediate family information) Alec's earliest ventures into acting were in local theatres. He lost five years during the Second World War and served in the European theatre and was present at Monte Cassino. After the war he returned to acting, getting back into stage work.
He was also a member of the BBC Radio company during the late 1950s/early 1960s, and notably guest-starred in all but two of the Paul Temple serials (mysteries) that starred Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury. His television roles included two Doctor Who serials; The Mind of Evil (1971) and The Androids of Tara (1978). He also guest-starred in episodes of The Saint, Jason King, and Doomwatch. He had co-starring roles in Telford's Change, Enemy at the Door and The Borgias. He also portrayed Odysseus in the Encyclopedia Britannica educational film series, released in 1965. These films are now available on YouTube.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1938 They Drive by Night Roy Allen – brother of man to be executed 1939 Goodbye, Mr. Chips Wainwright Uncredited1939 Sons of the Sea Philip Hyde 1940 The Proud Valley Emlyn Parry 1940 Just William Robert Brown 1947 The Silver Darlings Don 1948 Bonnie Prince Charlie Young Alan of Moidart 1956 Port of Escape Reporter Uncredited1960 Clue of the Twisted Candle Jock 1960 Cone of Silence Navigator #1 1961 On the Fiddle Fl / Lt Baldwin 1961 The Court Martial of Major Keller Wilson 1962 The Durant Affair Roland Farley 1962 The Longest Day Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory Uncredited1963 Dr. Syn, Alias the Scarecrow Dragoon Corporal 1969 Battle of Britain RAF Officer Uncredited1969 Night After Night After Night Endell's Q.C. 1969 The Bushbaby First Officer 1970 Trog Colonel Vickers 1971 All at Sea Mr Parker 1980 Love in a Cold Climate Doctor
References
External links
The Simon Lack Affair