Peter Cushing was a familiar site in Whitstable for many years until his death in 1994. He had moved to the town in 1959 with his beloved wife Helen and despite his world-wide fame was accepted with ease by the townspeople who allowed him to relax and become an honorary native.

After the death of Helen in 1971 Peter spent more time in the town, often being seen as he cycled to the Tudor Tea Rooms in Harbour Street where he knew his lunch would be ready for him at his special table.

Another of his favourite spots has been named 'Cushings View' in his honour and can be found off Island Wall as part of the walkway along the beach which gives fine views over the estuary.

On this page we have, what we believe is the first time of publishing, a picture of Peter with a special link to one of our featured families as well as a short biography of his life and work.

Maisie Gambrell, who we think lived in Cornwallis Circle at the time, was Peter's housekeeper. One day, in about 1959, Peter took Maisie to Pinewood Studios with him as a treat. Whilst there he arranged to have their photograph taken and gave it to Maisie as a memento.

The original of this photograph is in the personal collection of Mr. Malcolm Lowther, whose mother was a close friend of Maisie's. We thank him for allowing us to use this picture. If any relatives of Maisie's would like a copy we would be happy to oblige.

Peter Cushing was born on 26th May 1913, in Kenley, Surrey, the son of a quantity surveyor. From an early age his ambition was to be an actor. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He supported himself as a clerk he persisted with his ambition until he eventually got a job with a repertory company in Worthing. His first professional performance was in 1935.

Eventually, having saved the £50 neccessary to take him to America he arrived in Hollywood, where he stayed for the next two years, playing in films with Laurel and Hardy and Carole Lombard. He played many other bit parts as he honed his skills.

Returning to England in 1941 he was unable to enlist into an active role within the Services due to a long standing ear complaint. Instead he began to work with ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) and spent the next year entertaining the troops.

On his return he played roles in the West End with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, then on to an Old Vic tour of Australia and New Zealand.

His first major film part was as Osric in the Olivier 'Hamlet' of 1948. The ensueing years saw him busy with many small parts in films and over twenty television plays.

In 1954 Peter took part in what is now seen as a pivotal point of television history when he played the part of Winston Smith in the BBC's adaption of George Orwell's '1984'. The play shocked the complacency of post-war Britain and caused much controversy because of its apparent message that there was no hope. Peter countered this saying that the play was a warning not to let totalitarianism happen, because if it did happen, hope would die and love would die. The descriptive term, 'Big Brother', became part of the English language.

Film stardom came in 1957 when Peter played the part of Baron Frankenstein in Hammer Films 'The Curse of Frankenstein'. Nineteen more films were to come under the Hammer banner as Peter became established as the leading British actor in the horror genre.

After that came a wide range of roles including 'Doctor Who' and Governor Tarkin in 'Star Wars.'

Peter retired in 1986 and wrote two books of memoirs: 'An Autobiography' in 1986 and 'Past Forgetting' in 1988.

Peter Cushing died on August 11th 1994. The people of Whitstable lined the High Street as his funeral courtege passed by to pay their last respects to the gentleman they had come to regard as one of their own.

St. Alphege Church currently has an appeal to raise funds for the restoration of 14 of its stain glass windows. One of the windows is to be made in commemoration of the life and times of Peter Cushing.