John Moreno

Moreno was born to a Spanish father and French mother. Brought to England at the age of two months, he spent most of his childhood travelling the world in a circus due to his father, Jose Moreno, being a famous juggler. During this time, he was taught various skills including juggling, tumbling and bareback riding.

Aged 17, Moreno formed a nightclub act with his sister and they were engaged to appear in France. Upon arriving in Marseilles, he was arrested as a draft dodger for not reporting for National service. While his sister went to Spain to become an actress, Moreno was court-martialled but acquitted. Finding himself enrolled in the French Army during the Algerian War, he learnt the art of mime from a fellow soldier. After leaving the army, he turned to a career in straight acting.

His other film credits include appearances in Les Misérables (1978), The Razor's Edge (1984), John Wycliffe: The Morning Star (1984) and Old Scores (1991). His television credits include Doctor Who (in the serial The Ambassadors of Death where he played Dobson), Moonbase 3, The Duchess of Duke Street, Return of the Saint, Thriller, The Sweeney, The Enigma Files, Kessler, Farrington of the F.O., Squadron, Only Fools and Horses, Dempsey and Makepeace, Beau Geste, One by One, Lovejoy and Heartbeat. He had a recurring role in the 1971 television series Hine.

Having learnt so many talents from a young age, Moreno was able to apply these to the various roles he played. In addition, he worked as a stage fight director, arranging fights for theatre productions, as well as holding workshops for youngsters to learn about the craft.