John Clive

John Clive (born Clive John Frederick Hambley on 6 January 1933 in North London) was an English actor and prolific author whose career spanned nearly six decades. Raised briefly in Liverpool before evacuation to North Wales during World II, he left school at fourteen to work as a page at the New Shakespeare Theatre, quickly moving into repertory productions where he earned his first leading role in The Winslow Boy in 1938. After completing national service in the Royal Air Force, he returned to the stage, touring the West Country and later establishing himself in London’s West End with acclaimed productions such as Absurd Person Singular, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Under Milk Wood and The Winslow Boy again, displaying a versatile talent for both comedy and drama. His film debut came with Ealing Studios’ The Magnet (credited as Clive Kendall) but he soon adopted the name John Clive, becoming a recognizable character actor in classics like The Italian Job (1969), A Clockwork Orange (1971), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) and the cult‑favorite animated feature Yellow Submarine (1968), in which he provided the iconic voice of John Lennon. On television he appeared in a wide range of series—from The Wednesday Play and The Sweeney to The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles—and even featured in a memorable 1970s Jacob’s Coconut Cream Biscuits commercial. In addition to his acting work, Clive co‑authored the bestselling wartime thriller KG 200 (1977) with J.D. Gilman, followed by a string of successful novels including The Last Liberator, Barossa and Broken Wings, cementing his reputation as a skilled storyteller of historical and social fiction. A member of the Grand Order of Water Rats from 1988, he remained active in performance and writing until his death after a short illness on 14 October 2012, aged 79. His legacy endures through his film and television contributions, celebrated novels, and the affection of fans who remember his distinctive voice and charismatic screen presence.