Theatre To Be Renamed After Earl Cameron
The City of Hamilton today [Oct 4] confirmed that board members discussed changing the name of the City Hall Theatre to the Earl Cameron Theatre, and said that a “formal announcement” will be issued within coming days.
Earl Cameron is a legendary figure who broke down many racial barriers as a black actor in the British film scene during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Born in Bermuda in 1917, his career has spanned several decades and over sixty films and television programs.
Mr Cameron and his wife with Premier Paula Cox in 2010:
He moved to Britain prior to World War Two and after a career on London’s West End stage made his film debut in the well-received thriller “Pool of London” in 1950 — becoming one of the first black actors to star in a British movie.
By the mid-1950s Mr. Cameron was an established star in the UK and he worked steadily in movies, the theatre and in television.
He appeared in dozens of films and episodic TV shows and starred with Sean Connery in the 1965 ‘Thunderball’ playing Pinder, the British secret service’s Head of Station in the Bahamas.
He also portrayed African dictator Edmond Zuwanie in the 2005 movie ‘The Interpreter‘ alongside Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. The film trailer is below.
In 2007 the Bermuda International Film Festival presented him with its Prospero Award for lifetime achievement in cinema, and in 2009 he was named as a Commander of the British Empire for services to the dramatic arts.
In 2010 – when he was 93 – Mr Cameron said: “When some people do 9-5 jobs I can understand them wanting to retire to a degree, but artists from whatever field should feel free to carry on.
“Films often needs someone to play the part of a very old man, and I’ve just lost the chance to play the lead in a film set in Kenya which I would have loved to have done. And it makes sense to get an actor, who is still alive and kicking – like me – instead of using make-up.
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Great Decision !!! I agree on this one!
Excellent idea.
Ditto!
about time
I think it is great that we recognise Bermudian achievement and hats off to Mr. Cameron. However, I think it might have been more appropriate for a boulevard or park to have been named after Mr. Cameron as he is best known for his film work and I wonder ow many times he has graced the City Hall stage. Surely this theatre should be named after somebody who has contributed to its success over many years – the first name that comes into my head is Marjorie Stanton.
While he is very worthy of honour, I am troubled that public infrastructure is being continually named after individuals. e.g. airports, ferries, government buildings and parks. City Hall Theatre should continue to be City Hall Theatre.
Great Idea, while you’re at it how about naming a street after Michael Douglas, and lets see who else??? oh yes lets remember our home grown talent, Heather Nova needs something named after her, and Teddy Tucker, he was in the Deep ( just a bit part) however he has done so much for Bermuda. Now who else could we name something after that is well known?
I certainly do think we should respect Mr.Cameron as a Bermudian who made it on the World stage..I am a Bond fan and have watched the movies repeatedly, however I am also concerned with the renaming of streets,buildings, honors, blahblahblah…..Afterall a lot of these names will certainly be temporary because the youth have no connection and the history of Bermuda and her People have jsut recently been recorded and actually READ….I do think he should be honoured in some way after all his name is EARl..But really Sir John Swan and the Gibbons have created buildings, business and jobs for many many years and when someone accomplishes something of any magnitude it should be noticeable…
Since there is nothing better to do can City Hall please change the name of Queen Elizabeth Park back to Par la ville Park? Thanks.