John Alexander, a Scottish-born actor, has made a name for himself in the film industry by playing highly specialized and physically demanding roles in sophisticated adventure movies. As a favorite of special effects legends Rick Baker and the late Stan Winston, Alexander is often seen buried under extensive makeup or wrapped in complex animatronic suits.
Alexander's journey began in his native Scotland, where he studied at the Celtic Ballet School, developing his skills in movement and acrobatics, which would serve him well in his future endeavors. As a teenager, he started his career as a circus performer and was soon discovered by the French comedy acrobatic act, The Ghezzies, who offered him a contract.
Alexander traveled Europe, performing on television and in cabaret acts for years before committing to a full-time career in theatre in London. It was during his two-year stint at the London Palladium, starring alongside Michael Crawford in Barnum, that he received his first film role through a blind ad for the project that would become "Greystoke: The Legend Of Tarzan".
Since then, Alexander has appeared in numerous films, playing a wide range of characters, including the Cowardly Lion and one of the manic Wheelers in Disney's "Return To Oz", the gorilla Digit in Warner Bros. "Gorillas In The Mist", and several other gorilla roles in films such as "Baby's Day Out", "Congo", "Mighty Joe Young", "Fierce Creatures", and Tim Burton's "Planet Of The Apes".
In addition to his film work, Alexander has also acted as Consultant, Choreographer, and Puppeteer in many special effects extravaganzas. With a resume boasting a diverse range of skills, including acting, dance, acrobatics, prosthetic and mask work, puppeteering, creature movement, fight arrangement, horse riding, and unicycle, Alexander is a true master of his craft.
