Maurice Colbourne, a tall, lean, dark, and well-spoken individual, made a name for himself in the acting world by playing a range of tough guys and villains. However, it was his portrayal of Tom Howard in the BBC's popular soap opera Howards' Way (1985) that brought him his greatest fame.
Born Roger Middleton in Sheffield, England, Colbourne trained as an actor at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama. He honed his craft in repertory theatre, taking on a wide range of roles from Shakespeare to Brecht.
Colbourne's early television career included a notable role in the controversial series Gangsters (1976),a production of the BBC's Play for Today (1970). He played an ex-SAS officer and convict who goes undercover in the Birmingham underworld. He also appeared in the popular series The Onedin Line (1971) during the late 1970s.
Throughout the 1980s, Colbourne continued to take on notable roles. In 1981, he played Jack Coker in the BBC's adaptation of John Wyndham's science-fiction classic The Day of the Triffids. The following year, he appeared as Lytton, a ruthless mercenary, in Eric Saward's Resurrection of the Daleks: Part One (1984). His character proved so popular that he was brought back for Attack of the Cybermen: Part One (1985).
In addition to his science-fiction roles, Colbourne also appeared as an SS Officer in the 1985 television film Hitler's S.S.: Portrait in Evil. However, it was his role as Tom Howard in Howards' Way (1985) that brought him widespread recognition. As the lead character, a redundant aircraft designer and sailing enthusiast, Colbourne demonstrated his ability to play a more sympathetic and gentle character, a departure from his tough guy image.
Howards' Way (1985) was a massive ratings success and was seen as the BBC's answer to popular American dramas such as Dallas (1978) and Dynasty (1981). Colbourne starred in five series of the show, but tragically passed away in 1989, during the production of the series.
