Milton Rutherford Reid was born on April 29, 1917, in Bombay, India. His father, Edgar William Reid, was a Scottish-born Customs and Excise inspector who had married an Indian lady. Milton moved to London in 1936 and settled in Shepherd's Bush, where he worked as a commercial traveller.
In 1939, he married fashion artist Bertha Lilian Guyett, and the couple had a long and happy marriage that lasted over 40 years. Milton served in the 22nd Dragoons during World War II and appeared in the army propaganda film "The Way Ahead" in 1944.
After the war, Milton trained as a wrestler and turned professional in 1952, initially using the stage name "Jungle Boy." He also continued to act in small film roles, often playing tough guys or bodyguards. His breakthrough came in 1959 when he was cast as Yen the pirate in "Ferry to Hong Kong," and he remained shaven-headed for the rest of his career.
Milton's wrestling persona evolved to "The Mighty Chang," an oriental giant, and he appeared in numerous films, including "The Wonders of Aladdin" and "Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators." He was also a popular pantomime performer at the London Palladium and appeared in numerous television shows.
In the 1960s, Milton became a familiar character actor, appearing in dozens of films and television shows. However, he struggled financially, and in 1965, he was forced to appear in court for non-payment of a car repair bill. Despite this setback, Milton continued to work in film and television, eventually retiring from wrestling and attempting to make a career in "Bollywood" in the 1980s.
Milton's life took a mysterious turn in the early 1980s when he was arrested by Indian police for trespassing, damaging furniture, and disconnecting a telephone. He was eventually released, but his whereabouts after 1986 are unknown. His son reported receiving correspondence from Milton up to December 1986, but nothing has been heard from him since.
Despite his untimely disappearance, Milton's legacy lives on through his numerous film and television appearances. His wife, Bertha, passed away in 1997, still unaware of her husband's fate. Research continues to uncover more about Milton's life and eventual disappearance.
