Harry Baird was a talented actor born in Georgetown, Guyana on May 12, 1931, who received his education in Canada and England. He began his acting career in the 1950s, cast in several British films that dealt with racial tensions, including A Kid for Two Farthings in 1955, directed by Carol Reed.
Although he continued to work in theater, including a role in Jean Genet's "The Blacks" in 1961, his focus shifted to cinema and television, where he often took on stunt work to stay in front of the camera. His first lead role on TV was in the adventure series White Hunter in 1957, and he gained recognition for his portrayal of a young black man brutalized by the police in the film Sapphire in 1959.
Despite his talent and physical fitness, Baird struggled to find leading roles due to the lack of opportunities for actors of color during that time. He instead found regular supporting roles on TV, including Secret Agent in 1964 and UFO in 1970.
As his opportunities in the UK dwindled, Baird traveled to Europe, particularly Italy and France, to find work. He starred in several Italian films and "spaghetti" westerns, and scored a personal triumph in France with the landmark film The Story of a Three Day Pass in 1967, directed by Melvin Van Peebles.
Baird's other notable films include The Whisperers in 1967, The Touchables in 1968, The Oblong Box in 1969, and The Italian Job in 1969. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with glaucoma in the 1970s and was forced to retire due to his impairment.
Despite his challenges, Baird remained positive and adapted to his new circumstances, taking classes on film history and other interests. He was married and divorced, and survived by a stepdaughter when he passed away from cancer at the age of 73 in London on February 13, 2005.
