Philip Gilbert

Philip Gilbert, born Phillip Arthur Joseph Bilodeau on March 29, 1931, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was a distinguished Canadian actor whose career spanned nearly five decades across film, television, and theatre, establishing himself as a versatile performer in both North American and British entertainment industries. Educated at Vancouver College, Gilbert began his professional journey as a contract player with the prestigious Rank Organisation, appearing in numerous British films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Among his early cinematic work were notable roles in Reach for the Sky (1956) as a Canadian Pilot, Simon and Laura (1955), Man of the Moment (1955), and Bachelor of Hearts (1958) where he portrayed Conrad Lewis. His cinematic repertoire expanded to include psychological thrillers such as Die! Die! My Darling! (1965) and science fiction horror films like The Frozen Dead (1966) in which he played Dr. Ted Roberts, demonstrating remarkable range across diverse genres. While his film work established his early credentials, Gilbert achieved enduring iconic status through his television work, most notably providing the voice of TIM (the biological computer) in the original science fiction series The Tomorrow People from 1973 to 1979. He reprised this beloved role in 2001 for Big Finish audio plays, continuing until his death in 2004 with final appearances in productions including The Power of Fear and The New Gods. Beyond this signature role, Gilbert maintained a prolific television presence with appearances in classic British series such as The Avengers (1961), The Human Jungle (1963), and Citizen Smith (1977). He also appeared in Howards' Way (1985) and made a memorable turn as a newsreader in the blockbuster film Superman III (1983). His theatrical career flourished equally, featuring starring roles in West End productions including Divorce Me, Darling!. He additionally served as Head of Drama at the Prince Regent Theatre in Farnborough, where he performed numerous times and contributed significantly to the local theatrical community. Represented by Nicholas Young's theatrical agency throughout his later career, Gilbert remained active in the entertainment industry until his passing on January 6, 2004, in Farnborough, Hampshire, England, leaving behind a substantial legacy of diverse performances across film, television, and stage that continues to be celebrated by science fiction enthusiasts and theatre historians alike.