Peter Gilmore remains one of the most recognizable faces in British television history, remembered especially for his commanding role as Captain James Onedin in the long-running BBC drama The Onedin Line. His life’s story, however, extends far beyond the character that defined his career. From his beginnings in Germany to his rise in British stage and screen, Gilmore’s journey was filled with resilience, artistic growth, personal challenges, and unforgettable performances.
This detailed biography explores who Peter Gilmore was, his age, career, net worth context, movies and TV shows, and his personal relationships — including his marriage to actress Una Stubbs. It also looks at his family background, father, and the mystery around siblings, providing a complete portrait of the man behind the screen legend.
Early Life and Background
Peter Gilmore was born John Peter Gilmore on 25 August 1931 in Leipzig, Germany, to British parents. His father worked as a commercial traveller, which often required the family to relocate. When Peter was just six years old, circumstances led him to be sent back to England, where he would spend the rest of his childhood. He grew up in Nunthorpe, North Riding of Yorkshire, a region known for its quiet countryside and industrial heritage.
Gilmore attended Friends’ School in Great Ayton, a Quaker institution known for its disciplined atmosphere. School, however, did not captivate young Peter for long. With dreams of performance already forming, he left formal education around age 14 to begin pursuing acting — a bold and unusual step for a teenager in post-war Britain.
In 1952, he attempted to refine his craft by attending a preparatory academy affiliated with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His time there, however, was cut short due to disciplinary issues, and he was expelled. Yet, even this setback would become part of the unusual path that shaped his eventual success.
Before fully immersing himself in acting, Gilmore completed his national service in the British Army. It was during these years that he discovered his talent for singing, a skill that would later open doors on the stage and influence the early years of his entertainment career.
From Stage Roots to Television Stardom
Early Performances and Theatre Work
Gilmore’s first major artistic opportunities came from the world of musical theatre and variety shows. His strong singing voice, combined with a charismatic presence, made him a natural fit for the West End and touring theatre productions. He performed in multiple musicals throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including the notable Follow That Girl, which even resulted in a recorded single.
While he did not achieve the celebrity of a major West End star, Gilmore developed a reputation as a dependable performer with a distinctive voice, strong posture, and a knack for period-style roles — traits that would later define his greatest work.
Film Roles and Carry On Series
Gilmore transitioned into film in the late 1950s and early 1960s. British cinema at the time was booming with comedies, especially the iconic Carry On film series, and Peter Gilmore became part of that comedic universe. Over his career, he appeared in 11 Carry On films, establishing himself as a familiar face in British comedy.
His filmography expanded with roles in:
- The Great St Trinian’s Train Robbery (1966)
- Oh! What a Lovely War (1969)
- The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
- Warlords of Atlantis (1978), a sea-adventure film that fit his rugged, seafaring persona
Though he was seldom the lead actor in these films, Gilmore’s presence added depth and charm to the productions, contributing to the era’s defining cinematic style.
The Onedin Line — A Career-Defining Masterpiece
No role in Gilmore’s career would be as defining, powerful, or memorable as Captain James Onedin in the BBC’s The Onedin Line. The series ran from 1971 to 1980, spanning 91 episodes, and became one of Britain’s most watched and internationally syndicated dramas.
Set in the 19th century, the series followed James Onedin, an ambitious and sometimes ruthless seafarer who builds a shipping empire from the ground up. Gilmore embodied the role with commanding authority: sharp eyes, storm-weathered expressions, and a driving determination that captivated audiences.
His portrayal became so iconic that even decades later, fans still associate him with the rugged sea-captain archetype. The role brought him fame but also created challenges. Gilmore later acknowledged that he became typecast, as casting directors struggled to see him as anything other than the commanding sea captain of the Victorian era.
Yet, for many viewers around the world, Gilmore was James Onedin — a character who symbolized resilience, ambition, and adventure.
Other Television Roles
Despite the overshadowing influence of The Onedin Line, Gilmore did continue working in television. Notable among his other TV credits:
- Doctor Who (1984), appearing in the serial Frontios as “Brazen”
- Guest roles in British dramas, adventure series, and TV films
- One of his final screen roles in On Dangerous Ground (1996)
Personal Life: Marriages, Relationships, and Children
Peter Gilmore’s personal life was as eventful as his professional endeavors. Over the course of his lifetime, he married three times.
Marriage to Una Stubbs
His first and perhaps most publicly recognized marriage was to Una Stubbs, the beloved actress known for roles in Sherlock, Till Death Us Do Part, and Worzel Gummidge. They married in 1958 and remained together until 1969. During their marriage, the couple adopted a son, Jason, who became Gilmore’s only child.
Their relationship was often featured in the media of the time, as both were rising actors, but like many showbusiness marriages, it eventually dissolved.
Marriage to Jan Waters
Gilmore’s second marriage was to actress Jan Waters, beginning in 1970. This relationship lasted until 1976. Though less publicized than his first marriage, it was part of a period where both partners were active in theatrical performance.
Marriage to Anne Stallybrass
Gilmore married for the third and final time in 1987, to actress Anne Stallybrass. Their relationship blossomed years after they had first worked together on The Onedin Line. They remained devoted partners until Gilmore’s death in 2013. Stallybrass herself was a respected actress, remembered for roles in The Six Wives of Henry VIII and numerous British series.
Children
Peter Gilmore had one child, his adopted son Jason, from his marriage to Una Stubbs. There is no record of biological children.
Family Background, Father, and Siblings
Compared to many actors of his generation, Peter Gilmore’s family background is sparsely documented.
His Father
Though his father worked as a commercial traveller, public biographies provide no detailed information such as his name, family history, or occupation specifics. This is relatively common for older actors whose families were not part of the entertainment world.
Mother and Extended Family
Similarly, details about his mother or extended family remain largely unknown. Gilmore rarely spoke about his early home life, perhaps due to his early separation from his parents when he was sent to England at age six.
Siblings (Brothers and Sisters)
There is no confirmed information on whether Peter Gilmore had brothers or sisters. No public profile, obituary, or interview mentions siblings, suggesting he may have been an only child — or simply kept his family life very private.
Peter Gilmore’s Net Worth: What Is Known?
Unlike modern actors whose financial details often become public, Peter Gilmore belonged to an era when actors’ earnings were rarely disclosed. He did not appear on lists of high earners, and no credible source records his net worth at any point.
Given his steady, decades-long career in theatre, film, and television, it is fair to assume he lived comfortably, especially during the height of The Onedin Line. However, without reliable documentation, it is not possible to assign a verified net worth figure.
For biographical accuracy, it is better to acknowledge the lack of publicly available financial information rather than risk speculation.
Later Years and Passing
As the 1990s progressed, Gilmore gradually retired from acting. Typecasting, age, and changing trends in British television limited the roles available to him. His final credited role came in 1996.
Peter Gilmore passed away on 3 February 2013 in London at the age of 81, after a long illness. He was survived by his wife Anne Stallybrass and his son Jason.
Tributes described him as a gentleman, a professional, and an actor whose presence carried both warmth and authority. His portrayal of James Onedin would become one of the signature characters of British television history.
Legacy of a British Screen Icon
Peter Gilmore’s journey — from a German-born child sent to England, to a young man expelled from drama school, to an actor who became a global television icon — is a story of persistence and passion.
He left behind:
- A memorable screen legacy, led by The Onedin Line
- A diverse catalogue of films and musicals
- The warm admiration of fans and colleagues
- A reminder of the power of mid-20th-century British storytelling
For millions around the world, Peter Gilmore will always be James Onedin — the determined sea captain who faced storms, rivals, and the passage of time with unwavering resolve.
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