Albert Moses obit

A Celebration of Sri Lankan actor Albert Moses (1937-2017)

 

He was not on the list.

The Bond world and yours truly mourns the passing of long-time friend and supporter Albert Moses, Sri Lankan born actor with two James Bond films on his resume including big screen appearances opposite both Sean Connery and Roger Moore, aged 79. Our thoughts now goes to Albert's family and friends.

Actor Albert Moses (born in Gampola, Sri Lanka) died on 15th September 2017 in London aged 79 but the news of his passing was just revealed via Albert's Facebook page (thanks to FSWL contributor Nicolas Suszczyk for the alert). James Bond fans remember him mainly for two roles in the 007 series: first as the bartender at Max Kalba's club in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and then, a more important role, as Saddrudin, head of the MI6 Indian station, in Octopussy (1983).

Moses began his acting career in India in the 1960s, but it grew when he settled in Britain in 1970, earning minor roles in productions such as The Man Who Would Be King and Pink Floyd: The Wall. He got his role in The Spy That Loved Me (the film in which he "felt most comfortable") after attending a casting where they sought actors who spoke Arabic, and that allowed him to later have a greater role in "Octopussy", this time in important scenes with Roger Moore, Kabir Bedi and Vijay Amitraj.

Friendly as anyone with the fans of James Bond, Albert fondly remembered his time with the series with love: "It is very fun to meet fans from all over the world, and it also gives you the opportunity to meet important artists. It is very beneficial," he reflected in an interview. For more, read our interview with Albert from 2006 for more about his work.

The remains of Albert rest in his native Sri Lanka since 9th December 2017. Albert is survived by three children and three grandchildren.

Actor and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj (Vijay in Octopussy) remember Albert Moses:

"Saddened to hear about the passing of Albert Moses. I enjoyed very much working with him on Octopussy. Lovely man. RIP Albert."

Actor Kabir Bedi (Gobinda in Octopussy) commented:

"Bless the spirit of Albert Moses! Bond fans will mourn his passing. R.I.P. Albert"

 

Selected credits

Theatre

Freeway - National Theatre;

Phædra Britannica - National Theatre (with Diana Rigg);

Long March to Jerusalem - Watford Palace Theatre

 

Film

White Cargo (1973) - Arab (uncredited)

The Man Who Would Be King (1975, A John Huston film with Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Christopher Plummer) - Ghulam

Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers (1977, EMI) - Indian shopkeeper

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977, James Bond film) - Barman

What's Up Nurse! (1978, a Derek Ford sex comedy) - 1st Asian

Carry On Emmannuelle (1978, Rank) - Doctor

The Awakening (1980, Columbia Pictures) - (uncredited)

An American Werewolf in London (1981, a John Landis movie) - Hospital Porter

The Great Quest - with Oliver Reed;

Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982, Alan Parker film) - Janitor

Octopussy (1983, James Bond film) - Saddrudin - undercover British agent in India

Al-mas' Ala Al-Kubra (1983) - Indian officer (uncredited)

Scandalous (1984, with Sir John Gielgud and Pamela Stephenson) - Vishnu

The Little Drummer Girl (1984, EMI, a George Roy Hill film) - Green Grocer

Foreign Body (1986) - Paramedic #2

The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo (1997, Columbia Pictures) - Conductor

East Is East (1999, a BAFTA award-winning Film4 production) - Abdul Karim

The Snarling (2018) - Hospital Patient

 

Television

Queenie - Hollywood mini-series with Kirk Douglas;

On the Buses - London Weekend Television;

Warship - BBC television drama;

Robin's Nest - Thames Television sitcom;

Mind Your Language - London Weekend Television sitcom (nearly 50 episodes broadcast between 1977 and 1986);

Juliet Bravo - BBC television drama;

The Jewel in the Crown - Granada Television (4 episodes, with Charles Dance, OBE);

The Little and Large Show - BBC television comedy;

The Benny Hill Show - Thames Television comedy;

Boon - ITV Central drama;

The Bill - talkbackTHAMES television drama (5 episodes);

Never the Twain - Thames Television sitcom;

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Man With The Twisted Lip - Granada Television;

London's Burning - London Weekend Television drama;

Tandoori Nights - Channel 4

Crocodile Shoes (Adrian Lynn's accountant)