As a 12 year old I thought he was so cool in The Professionals...as a 53 Yr old I still think he's cool. He was an influence that showed me what a man should be...strong..dependable..brave & witty. What a sad end to a great man. Miss him.
I was about to say something similar...only I was born the year they started...however caught the re-runs in the 80's. Then rewatched them on DVD, then remarkable Blu-ray....
54 years old here, and same. Massive range for an actor, his camp Sheriff in that Robin of Sherwood is episode incredible! Could sing too, excellent stage actor and a skilled soldier in 'real life'. These are the role models we need.
Growing up seeing him in the Professionals with Martin Shaw as Bodie and Doyle they were brilliant. He was like the real life action man figure toy of that era. A true man’s man. RIP Lewis Collins!!!
Yes, I never understood the criticism he was too aggressive..He's an actor! and unfortunately I don't think he found a suitable vehicle to propel him forward..FATE and our loss...
@@paulcarter2907 In the Cuckoo Waltz he wasn't aggressive; he was charming. There must have been some otger reason. Anyway, he was an underutilised talent.
They missed out big time not signing Lewis Collins up to play James Bond, Lewis had all the charisma and toughness required for Bond RIP Lewis Collins 🙏
@@bond0666 He could've delivered the one liners like Sean & Roger but in his own way, now they say you should have someone who actually has a connection to the part they play, Lewis was a Martial Artist, think he could've got his head around the Combat scenes
Got quiet emotional watching this . When i was a kid me my brother and my Dad watched this every week mum had already passed . I am 58 now and the last man standing . Lewis should have been a huge star to me he had the same presense and persona as Connery . As Bond he would have rocked RIP Lewis and thanks you were the reason i watched the professionals .
@@leonskum.5682 Me too. We used to organise our weekly band practice (pipes and drums) around the Professionals as our pipe major was a huge fan (along with half the band).
I used to watch the professionals as a young girl and Lewis made my heart leap when he did that thing with his eyebrow. He was one very handsome man and a versatile talent to boot.
R I.P. Lewis. A beautiful man and actor, loved his cheeky grin and voice.Such a sad ending to a,wonderful life.Absolutely loved the cast in The Professional's,only Martin left now 🏴🙏♥️👍
He was a great guy classy and lovely personality.He should have gone to the very top,far better than many of the so called stars and celebrities.A tragic end R.I,P. Lewis.
I remember a story concerning Lewis. He went to the same drop zone, Peterborough Parachute Centre to learn how to sky dive. One day he did a jump and landed very heavily. He shrugged it off and walked back to the packing sheds with his parachute - about half a mile from where he landed. It was only after he'd packed his kit ready for another jump that he checked his leg because it was still aching and it turned out that he'd broken it! The man was hard as nuts. He walked half a mile with a broken leg carrying a heavy parachute and never complained. He truly was as hard as Bodie from the Professionals.
I came across him at headcorn jump centre , he was alone so I invited him to join our small group but he opted to go solo. I think he might have been low experience level at the time, I’ve also had many happy days at Peterborough (sibson) great times and memories 👍
Yes, we’ll never know how good a Bond he might have made if they hadn’t continued to stick with Roger Moore for most of that 80s period. Same applies to Clive Owen in my opinion but I don’t believe he wanted the role particularly.
@@krishnan-resurrection714 If he is to be and the reports are to be believed, Idris Elba who was being touted for the role has ruled himself out as the next Bond a few days ago. I wouldn’t like to put any money on who will take the role next. It could be a left field selection in many ways as Daniel Craig was initially seen to be by the media.
Met him in the late 70s and conversed by letter a couple of times. He seemed a lovely gentleman, with a cheeky smile and very charismatic. RiP dear Lewis. Always special in my memories.
Lewis Collins was a childhood hero of mine and and still is. So charismatic and cool he should have been James Bond for sure. I still adore The Professionals over 40 years later and still watch the regularly. They just don’t know how to make TV dramas like that anymore, and even ended up having a silver Ford Capri just like Bodie’s. We lost Lewis way to soon but like all great hero’s the memories will go on. Thanks Lewis. 😉👍
As an ex squaddie, he’s one of the few actors that can play a soldier and look realistic whilst doing it. Because he was the real thing, tough enough to join the Para’s and knew what it took to earn that red cap.
That put a tear in my eye…and I’m a 58 year bloke. Great montage and a beautiful tribute to a guy who was a big part of my teenage years in the Professionals…thank you 🇬🇧👍👏
I've heard a lot of people talk about him in interviews, never heard anyone say a disparaging word about him. And like I said in a previous comment, he was everything he portrayed on screen. We lost a lot when he passed away.
Born in 1970 i grew up watching the Professionals. I wanted to be Bodie, Doyle could sling his hook. For years now i've imagined that if ever im in LA, i would go see his resting place. Like many others have said i wished he had of been Bond. I really do think he would have been a fantastic Bond. He was my childhood hero, we all have one dont we ?
Was on the same recruit carda for the Territorial Parachute Regiment as Lewis, difference was, Lewis wanted to do it and he did very well having a lot to live up too, I scraped through only joined because an acquaintance said "you won't make it" persevered, got through, went on to Parachute, got the wings😳as surprised as my family and people I new at the time were! Lewis you were an inspiration even though I only ever nodded to say hello, your presence made all on that carda including myself, push themselves even harder🙂 RIP!
Thanks for the memories of Lewis Collins. A great part of my youth watching him in the Professionals. I didn't realise he did so many different things in his career. R.I.E.P, gone but never forgotten.
My brother and I watched The Professionals every week religiously. I was Doyle and he was Bodie. It worked because I had curly hair and he bloody looked like him. Anyway, loved his work. And yes, he would have been an awesome Bond. Very sad he's no longer with us.
I loved this man. A real man's man and a woman's man. Grew up watching him in The professionals with my brother and dad on a Friday night. My brother and I always wanted to be Bodie. I openly cried when I read the news he died. My hero and part of my life when the world was a better place.
I never realised he had passed away, how sad; maybe I’d forgotten, happens at a certain age. I grew up watching The Professionals and Lewis was always supercool, with those dry humoured comments of his. I never realised he’d actually passed selection for the territorial SAS and was only rejected because he was a famous face. That gives his portrayal as an SAS trooper in Who Dares Wins even more credibility. RIP Lewis, hope you’re somewhere in paradise still giving grief to Cowley. 🙏
He DID NOT pass SAS selection. There's interviews with ex-SAS soldiers explaining what happened; he withdrew during selection. In any case 21 and 23 SAS selection is far removed from 22 SAS selection, which is far more arduous.
Was lucky enough to meet Lewis when I was about 8 he was visiting a motor bike shop in South London at the height of the professionals popularity was so nice to me gave me his autograph still have it rest in peace sadly missed🙏💙
I'm only about five miles from Weston on the Green but I always get amazed that it's still technically a RAF base as it's so tatty. Given that it's still used a fair bit they do need to tidy it up a bit.
He was a charming gentleman, and had a great sense of humour. He should have stayed in the uk where he was loved by many fans. He was only 3 years older than me, and considering how fit he was, it was such a shame he left us early. He is not forgotten.
So sad but also so good. Unlike most of us, he will be remembered, and he will always have been a loss to the James Bond franchise. Very enjoyable watch.
Great tribute - many thanks ! Used to love the Professionals as a kid, and still do now I'm 53. As kids. my mate used to always want to play Doyle, and I by default was Bodie, which I was always extremely happy to be - great quote from Ashes to Ashes from Gene Hunt "We're a team: Bodie and Doyle. I'm the one in the SAS; you can be the one with the girl's hair."
Sad that he died far too soon. Nice to discover that he achieved success in things other than just The Professionals….I think he may well have made a good Bond.
Imagine, James Bond played by a man who was a Reserve Parachute Regiment Soldier and who had passed the SAS Selection Course and Entry Requirements, and was physically tough and conditioned, in addition to being very good looking! Lewis Collins was a man of great presence, with a distinctive, cultured voice that was instantly recognisable, as was he. Loved by women and men alike (though probably for different reasons!) he was a truly unique character as a man and an actor! I was genuienly saddened when I heard of his untimely death, and like him, I was a Birkenhead lad.
From an age of when actors portrayed men of morals, perfect for role models much needed today. You will be missed but never forgotten. R.I.P. Lewis Collins
Really interesting story. I'd suggest that Lewis had the worst agent in acting history; some of those roles were truly atrocious! The Bond franchise definitely made an error by not choosing him.
It was sad that his acting career faded away even in the 1980s...surprised he could not find a place in a British soap as a sophisticated hardman...i was always found it even more sad he ended his days running a computer company in the US...
@@jcw9539 The film SAS - Who Dares Wins brought him to a wider movie audience... from TV. Hardly a bad decision for Lewis. The issue as they said at the time is that an element of the British press presented the movie as an attack on CND after the screen play pitched them as being infiltrated by a terrorist group (not CND themselves). This was typical of the left wing press elements who also attacked the real SAS in Ireland. I agree though on Codename Wildgeese - a dirge of a script, poor special effects and weak plotting, it didnt hold a candle to the original film with Richard Harris and Burton. A shame Lewis didn't get the chance to appear in that one.
Cancer doesn't care if ur well known or not. I have c but life goes on if you born then your guaranteed to die if its not one thing it's another. That's life
What a great biography/tribute. I learned a good few things I hadn't seen or read before. Thank you! Such an ironic shame that Lewis, a genuine action man (whether he liked that epithet or not!) was turned down as Bond for being _"too aggressive"_ at a time when the franchise had veered away from the character's gritty origin and become something of a fey comedy series prior to going down the toilet - only to re-emerge years later with Daniel Craig successfully revitalising the role as an aggressive blunt instrument. It seems Mr. Collins was ahead of his time! As testament to this, watch his "This Is Your Life" episode (I think it's still on YT), and see how his previously jovial expression changes when a clearly unwanted (and entirely irrelevant to Lewis Collins' life and career) Jimmy Savile is unexpectedly introduced. Lewis Collins - sadly missed.
Still can't believe he has gone and still plenty of yrs ahead of him. Just didn't understand how he didnt go onto superstardom..a great actor..fit..a genuine guy easy to work with could do comedy well too..was so good in The Cuckoo Waltz as Gavin.. Rest in Peace Lewis..
In my 20's I loved watching the Professionals, I was into cars and was going out enjoying myself. The Professionals were about that and the guys had a great sense of humour. Lewis was the type of guy I wanted to be and now at the age of 69 I find it so sad that he has gone. Many thanks for this great and interesting video which included parts of his life I never knew.
I didn't actually know that he'd passed. So sad. Thanks for posting this tribute.. A gorgeous man, in spite of the (often) awful hair, I had such a crush on him when he was in the Professionals, which was essential viewing, back then. I remember "Who Dares Wins," but not much else that he did.
I gave my eldest son the middle name 'Lewis' after Lewis Collins. I was 19 when the Professionals appeared and I was mesmerized by him...I had a crush on him. I still have the Professionals annual/book from that time. That's staying with me...lol I agree with other comments on here about his ability to be James Bond. "They" should have signed him up... A side note...I was in Bidston recently. My Mother came from there... Thank you for posting this video...
Oh gosh, so sad watching this. He was 10 yrs older than me and he was my hearthrob in the Professionals. I watched everything on TV that he was in. There was a lot of stuff in this video that I never knew about him; that he wanted to be in the SAS and that he was in the territorials. He was a real life action man for sure. So sad that such a vital, energetic and larger than life man should die of something so diminishing as cancer and so young. In the closing credits I will admit that I shed a few tears. RIP Lewis. 💝💝💝
Thanks for the effort in putting this together for history. RIP Lewis - you brought a lot of people (and teenage kids as Bodie) a great deal of pleasure. WDWs was a great action film, watched it again 2 nights ago.
In 1980 I was 18 and on a Friday night, I skipped the pub and watched The Professionals at 9-10pm LWT, and then straight on to the nightclub Instead and with a spring in my step! Bodie was my favourite character in the show. Who dares wins was as close to a Bond movie as he got to but a great movie though. He would have been a great Bond straight after The Pros. He even missed out on the New Professionals, not surprisingly that flopped on both sides of the Atlantic. If only we could rewrite history. In summary, most young men like a hero to look up to, and in that Lew never failed us.
A truly Great British Actor. He was in things that I never even knew about, such as Z cars which I remember very well from when I was a youngster growing up in Liverpool. Lewis was a very versatile Actor and truly a Mans Man, the sort of guy that most young lads would look up to. I thought it was very touching that he took his sons and showed them where he grew up when he knew he was sick. RIP Lewis and thank you for giving us so much enjoyment.
Beautifully said. I was 21 years old when they showed "The Professionals" in Argentina in 1980. It was one of my favourite shows and I remember it with great affection. BTW, here goes a salute to another magnificent actor, the underrated Gordon Jackson (RIP). Lest We Forget.
@@arslongavitabrevis5136 Yes, you are right my friend. Gordon Jackson was another of the greats from an early age. From Upstairs downstairs to films such as The great Escape. RIP .
I didn't realize that Lewis Collins could sing ? & Did so much in his early career,I only remember him in the professionals, & who dares wins ,went to see it with my sister in the 80 's sad really. Great video, really enjoyed it.💖💖 R.i .p Lewis Collins.🙏
A wonderful actor with a great range. So sad he left us at still a young age, a life cut too short. The great Bond that never was .He would have been totally believable as Bond, having the charisma, the edge, the physical presence and also the humour to carry off the famous one liners. We miss you Lewis.
I used to love this guy! I watched the Professionals with my dad when I was a nipper and was fascinated by it all. I loved the old cars, the Capris and the Cortinas I remember them well my dad used to spray them sometimes. Such a sad loss he was a great guy Lewis and a lovely person. Always witty and funny. Thanks for uploading this!
Cubby Broccoli missed what would have been one of the best James Bond’s of them all. Lewis was perfect for that role. Cubby picked Timothy Dalton. A man who wasn’t in Lewis Collins’ league as an action actor.
@@simonp7095 I would say he had the right kind of charm. They both have charm, but Lewis was more rugged. In that way I think broccoli got it right, Dalton was a more sophisticated guy
Such a charismatic actor.. in today's world and the actors in it Colin's would have been at the very top.. a British huge Jackman easily. What a wonderful tribute by the way.. can't believe how emotion that brought out watching this.
I couldn't believe it back in 2013 when he passed...He'd have made a fantastic Bond, in spite of what Broccoli thought. He had the physical prowess of Connery with the suave wit and humour of Moore, along with his own natural style. Around that same time the late Michael Billington...aka..."Col. Paul Foster" from "UFO"...was also pipped to play Bond as well...I remember when Collins appeared in season 3 of "Robin Of Sherwood" in 86 as a Sheriff hired to capture Hood MK2....
I knew Lewis he was such a Great man a lot of fun had big respect for women and never a foul word came from him. Lewis was an excellent parachutist, many times I sat in the co-pilots seat climbing to 12000. feet then Lewis and all the other lads would depart the aircraft (Islander) to Free-fall. It is a VERY sad day having now learnt that Lewis is no longer with us. Lewis and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. And also All at the parachute club. Thank you Lewis for being you. RIP. JB. East Surrey. UK.
He was a big mate of John Conteh. Great of course in The professionals but was at his finest in comedy and musical theatre. Leading man looks and superb comedy timing. I grew up on the Cookoo Waltz.
I had a crush on him he was gorgeous. I thought he was so sexy. So sad that he passed away he was a true honest to God professional may he rest in everlasting peace.
Развлечения
As a 12 year old I thought he was so cool in The Professionals...as a 53 Yr old I still think he's cool.
He was an influence that showed me what a man should be...strong..dependable..brave & witty.
What a sad end to a great man.
Miss him.
I was about to say something similar...only I was born the year they started...however caught the re-runs in the 80's. Then rewatched them on DVD, then remarkable Blu-ray....
I'm 53 and feel exactly the same way, I loved watching him in the show.
54 years old here, and same. Massive range for an actor, his camp Sheriff in that Robin of Sherwood is episode incredible! Could sing too, excellent stage actor and a skilled soldier in 'real life'. These are the role models we need.
He was so handsome, and fantastic in the professionals..
@@debdeb5782 He was the main man👍🏼....
With his looks and natural charisma, combined with his SAS training, he would have made a great James Bond.
Having met him I always said that. What a lovely guy ❤️
Agreed
Growing up seeing him in the Professionals with Martin Shaw as Bodie and Doyle they were brilliant. He was like the real life action man figure toy of that era. A true man’s man. RIP Lewis Collins!!!
💕
Charisma in buckets. I think he'd have been a great James Bond. RIP.
I liked him in The Professionals, but I don't see him as James Bond.
@BillyFreethought His accent was fine.
Yes, I never understood the criticism he was too aggressive..He's an actor! and unfortunately I don't think he found a suitable vehicle to propel him forward..FATE and our loss...
So true. Like Connery he had charisma yet also a ruthless edge.
@@paulcarter2907 In the Cuckoo Waltz he wasn't aggressive; he was charming. There must have been some otger reason. Anyway, he was an underutilised talent.
They missed out big time not signing Lewis Collins up to play James Bond, Lewis had all the charisma and toughness required for Bond RIP Lewis Collins 🙏
It was right at the feminist clap trap time
They said he was too aggressive to be bond, there were woke mob then aswell
@@bond0666 He could've delivered the one liners like Sean & Roger but in his own way, now they say you should have someone who actually has a connection to the part they play, Lewis was a Martial Artist, think he could've got his head around the Combat scenes
how right you are there
Cubby liked his James Bond actors over 6ft
Got quiet emotional watching this . When i was a kid me my brother and my Dad watched this every week mum had already passed . I am 58 now and the last man standing . Lewis should have been a huge star to me he had the same presense and persona as Connery . As Bond he would have rocked RIP Lewis and thanks you were the reason i watched the professionals .
Nice one mate!
This touched me mate...Good luck to you 🙏 to Arfabiscuit
The best James Bond we never had.
no ..that would have been Tom Bell ....
He would have been a great Bond.
Correct!!!!!!!!!!😁🇬🇧
He was too aggressive, James Bond is always charming and charismatic!!
Totally disagree, I always thought he was a wooden actor.
There are lots of actors who could play hard men, but Collins was a genuine hard man who could also act.
I loved the Professionals, still watch it today when repeats are played.
I have the boxed set.😀
@@leonskum.5682 Me too!
@@leonskum.5682 Me too. We used to organise our weekly band practice (pipes and drums) around the Professionals as our pipe major was a huge fan (along with half the band).
Me too
Its on amazon prime every episode includes the banned episode too
I used to watch the professionals as a young girl and Lewis made my heart leap when he did that thing with his eyebrow. He was one very handsome man and a versatile talent to boot.
There are certain actors that stay with you throughout your life and Lewis was one of them, I miss him.
Man of many talents, loved him in professionals and who dares wins
Ex 10 para TA and also passed SAS selection but he could not go operational so got RTU
Who dares wins was appalling !
@@ianwatson3315 in your opinion
R I.P. Lewis. A beautiful man and actor, loved his cheeky grin and voice.Such a sad ending to a,wonderful life.Absolutely loved the cast in The Professional's,only Martin left now 🏴🙏♥️👍
Totally agree Linda he was fantastic in all he did 👏😥sadly missed but never forgotten r.i.p Lewis.. one of the 👌 👍
He was a great guy classy and lovely personality.He should have gone to the very top,far better than many of the so called stars and celebrities.A tragic end R.I,P. Lewis.
I remember a story concerning Lewis. He went to the same drop zone, Peterborough Parachute Centre to learn how to sky dive. One day he did a jump and landed very heavily. He shrugged it off and walked back to the packing sheds with his parachute - about half a mile from where he landed. It was only after he'd packed his kit ready for another jump that he checked his leg because it was still aching and it turned out that he'd broken it! The man was hard as nuts. He walked half a mile with a broken leg carrying a heavy parachute and never complained. He truly was as hard as Bodie from the Professionals.
I came across him at headcorn jump centre , he was alone so I invited him to join our small group but he opted to go solo. I think he might have been low experience level at the time, I’ve also had many happy days at Peterborough (sibson) great times and memories 👍
Lewis would have been proud of this....very well done
Nice one mate!
Would have been the best James Bond of the lot. A truly great actor and very much missed. R I P Lewis
Yes, we’ll never know how good a Bond he might have made if they hadn’t continued to stick with Roger Moore for most of that 80s period. Same applies to Clive Owen in my opinion but I don’t believe he wanted the role particularly.
Agree he would have been tough like Craig but suave like brosnan
No, too common to be Bond.
No doubt the next 'Bond' will be a black anyway .....!
@@krishnan-resurrection714 If he is to be and the reports are to be believed, Idris Elba who was being touted for the role has ruled himself out as the next Bond a few days ago. I wouldn’t like to put any money on who will take the role next. It could be a left field selection in many ways as Daniel Craig was initially seen to be by the media.
He was my favourite in the Professional Wasn't aware that he had such a backlog of work.
R.I.P Lewis a man with excellent talents.
Met him in the late 70s and conversed by letter a couple of times. He seemed a lovely gentleman, with a cheeky smile and very charismatic. RiP dear Lewis. Always special in my memories.
A great guy and actor who is still remembered and loved in Birkenhead
Yes indeed... I loved the fact he went back there to show his kids his childhood home.........I too have fond memories of Birkenhead and its folk.
Lewis Collins was a childhood hero of mine and and still is. So charismatic and cool he should have been James Bond for sure. I still adore The Professionals over 40 years later and still watch the regularly. They just don’t know how to make TV dramas like that anymore, and even ended up having a silver Ford Capri just like Bodie’s. We lost Lewis way to soon but like all great hero’s the memories will go on. Thanks Lewis. 😉👍
As an ex squaddie, he’s one of the few actors that can play a soldier and look realistic whilst doing it. Because he was the real thing, tough enough to join the Para’s and knew what it took to earn that red cap.
That put a tear in my eye…and I’m a 58 year bloke. Great montage and a beautiful tribute to a guy who was a big part of my teenage years in the Professionals…thank you 🇬🇧👍👏
Definatly will never be forgotten. Good night and God bless you Lewis. ❤
A truly lovely guy, sadly missed.
My sister admired Lewis Collins so much that she named her second son Lewis.
A very fine actor, and a tribute to his profession, sadly missed R.I.P Lewis.
He was a solid, reliable friend. I miss his weekly emails, jokes and attempts to coach my writing. Bless him.
I've heard a lot of people talk about him in interviews, never heard anyone say a disparaging word about him. And like I said in a previous comment, he was everything he portrayed on screen. We lost a lot when he passed away.
What a fortunate man you are!
@@t-__ Get over yourself. I never mentioned a name.
A man of many talents
R.I.P. Lewis Collins....
What a man, What a Career, What a life, What a sad ending. RIP. You are greatly missed.
Your text just about sums Lewis up I didn’t know he. Had past on R.I.P he is so sadly missed ❤
An inspirational man, I am living with cancer right now, we've lost so many greats to cancer, bravo Lewis rest in peace
Born in 1970 i grew up watching the Professionals. I wanted to be Bodie, Doyle could sling his hook. For years now i've imagined that if ever im in LA, i would go see his resting place. Like many others have said i wished he had of been Bond. I really do think he would have been a fantastic Bond. He was my childhood hero, we all have one dont we ?
Was on the same recruit carda for the Territorial Parachute Regiment as Lewis, difference was, Lewis wanted to do it and he did very well having a lot to live up too, I scraped through only joined because an acquaintance said "you won't make it" persevered, got through, went on to Parachute, got the wings😳as surprised as my family and people I new at the time were!
Lewis you were an inspiration even though I only ever nodded to say hello, your presence made all on that carda including myself, push themselves even harder🙂 RIP!
Another lovely tribute to him.
@@bridgetdoman1386💕
Thanks for the memories of Lewis Collins. A great part of my youth watching him in the Professionals. I didn't realise he did so many different things in his career. R.I.E.P, gone but never forgotten.
Great montage, Lewis was a great actor, I remember him mainly from the professionals, he's sadly missed by many....R.I.P Lewis.
My brother and I watched The Professionals every week religiously. I was Doyle and he was Bodie. It worked because I had curly hair and he bloody looked like him. Anyway, loved his work. And yes, he would have been an awesome Bond. Very sad he's no longer with us.
💕
I loved this man. A real man's man and a woman's man. Grew up watching him in The professionals with my brother and dad on a Friday night. My brother and I always wanted to be Bodie. I openly cried when I read the news he died. My hero and part of my life when the world was a better place.
I never realised he had passed away, how sad; maybe I’d forgotten, happens at a certain age. I grew up watching The Professionals and Lewis was always supercool, with those dry humoured comments of his. I never realised he’d actually passed selection for the territorial SAS and was only rejected because he was a famous face. That gives his portrayal as an SAS trooper in Who Dares Wins even more credibility. RIP Lewis, hope you’re somewhere in paradise still giving grief to Cowley. 🙏
He DID NOT pass SAS selection. There's interviews with ex-SAS soldiers explaining what happened; he withdrew during selection. In any case 21 and 23 SAS selection is far removed from 22 SAS selection, which is far more arduous.
@@michaelanderson7715 OK but at least he was a para in the TA so had more cred than your average “luvvie” trying to portray a soldier.
@@justinneill5003 I wasn't disparaging him, just stating facts.
@@michaelanderson7715 its seriously not that easy , many ex regular soldiers have failed 21 and 23 selection
@@daverich2534 Yes, I know. And, I didn't say it was easy.
A wonderful tribute to
Lewis.
👍👍
Was lucky enough to meet Lewis when I was about 8 he was visiting a motor bike shop in South London at the height of the professionals popularity was so nice to me gave me his autograph still have it rest in peace sadly missed🙏💙
What were you doing in a motorbike shop at 8?
Wow.
Loved this guy, he was truly a Professional
He was what you called "handsome"...a face that one could never tire of looking at and a versatile actor to boot. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎😀
A fantastic actor, I still watch the Professionals even to this day. RIP 🌹 🙏🏽
🙏
Lewis was an accomplished skydiver. I met him at Weston on the Green Drop Zone. A thoroughly nice and polite chap.
Weston. That takes me back.
(216 Para Sig)
I'm only about five miles from Weston on the Green but I always get amazed that it's still technically a RAF base as it's so tatty. Given that it's still used a fair bit they do need to tidy it up a bit.
He was a charming gentleman, and had a great sense of humour. He should have stayed in the uk where he was loved by many fans. He was only 3 years older than me, and considering how fit he was, it was such a shame he left us early. He is not forgotten.
👏👏👏A wonderful tribute to Lewis Collins! RIP Lewis rest in greatness❤️🦋
💞
So sad but also so good. Unlike most of us, he will be remembered, and he will always have been a loss to the James Bond franchise. Very enjoyable watch.
👍👍
Great tribute - many thanks !
Used to love the Professionals as a kid, and still do now I'm 53.
As kids. my mate used to always want to play Doyle, and I by default was Bodie, which I was always extremely happy to be - great quote from Ashes to Ashes from Gene Hunt "We're a team: Bodie and Doyle. I'm the one in the SAS; you can be the one with the girl's hair."
👍👍
A man of many talents.
Deserved more recognition than he got.
Sad that he died far too soon. Nice to discover that he achieved success in things other than just The Professionals….I think he may well have made a good Bond.
Imagine, James Bond played by a man who was a Reserve Parachute Regiment Soldier and who had passed the SAS Selection Course and Entry Requirements, and was physically tough and conditioned, in addition to being very good looking!
Lewis Collins was a man of great presence, with a distinctive, cultured voice that was instantly recognisable, as was he.
Loved by women and men alike (though probably for different reasons!) he was a truly unique character as a man and an actor!
I was genuienly saddened when I heard of his untimely death, and like him, I was a Birkenhead lad.
Well said that man
The role of James Bond was well beyond his capacity as an actor. He was mediocre at best.
@@stevecooper6515 Oh...it's you again.... Bore off. (Think the mold in that cellar is getting to you.)
A wonderful tribute to the man. I loved The Professionals as a kid, such a great era of tv. RIP Lewis.
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Huggy Bear was another good character on the program. Miss old huggy.
From an age of when actors portrayed men of morals, perfect for role models much needed today.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
R.I.P. Lewis Collins
The best Bond we never had. Amazing guy and sadly missed.
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Really interesting story. I'd suggest that Lewis had the worst agent in acting history; some of those roles were truly atrocious! The Bond franchise definitely made an error by not choosing him.
So what’s new Eon have always made bad decisions. But they have an established audience and nothing to loose…
It was sad that his acting career faded away even in the 1980s...surprised he could not find a place in a British soap as a sophisticated hardman...i was always found it even more sad he ended his days running a computer company in the US...
@@jcw9539 The film SAS - Who Dares Wins brought him to a wider movie audience... from TV. Hardly a bad decision for Lewis. The issue as they said at the time is that an element of the British press presented the movie as an attack on CND after the screen play pitched them as being infiltrated by a terrorist group (not CND themselves). This was typical of the left wing press elements who also attacked the real SAS in Ireland. I agree though on Codename Wildgeese - a dirge of a script, poor special effects and weak plotting, it didnt hold a candle to the original film with Richard Harris and Burton. A shame Lewis didn't get the chance to appear in that one.
@Keyboard Dancers. He would have made a wicked Bond.
@@bajanb Not sure him as James Bond....
RIP Lewis Collins. A great influence growing up for me and many.
He sounds as if he was a courages man. I hadn’t realised he had so many strings to his bow. His children must be very proud
What-a great expression I never heard that before
Yeh the professionals was the most popular but for sure watching this tribute you can see soo much more depth
A fitting tribute to great actor that I’m sure his family will really appreciate. 👌🏻🙏
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Lewis Collins. In one word. Unique, Fantastic, un-replaceable, a great actor. Sadly missed but will never be forgotten
So sad that such a strong man ended up with cancer. RIP Lewis.
Cancer doesn't care if ur well known or not. I have c but life goes on if you born then your guaranteed to die if its not one thing it's another. That's life
An absolute hero. He would have been an AMAZING Bond (with the right director). Broccolli’s loss.
One of my few boyhood idols in the late seventys early eighties. RIP Lewis, they were mad not making you Bond!
Yes I agree too mate
Wow! This was brilliant. I never knew he did so much during his lifetime. He was so talented and likeable. Thanks for this great video 🙏👌.
Nice one Jannie! Thanks for watching x
What a great biography/tribute.
I learned a good few things I hadn't seen or read before. Thank you!
Such an ironic shame that Lewis, a genuine action man (whether he liked that epithet or not!) was turned down as Bond for being _"too aggressive"_ at a time when the franchise had veered away from the character's gritty origin and become something of a fey comedy series prior to going down the toilet - only to re-emerge years later with Daniel Craig successfully revitalising the role as an aggressive blunt instrument.
It seems Mr. Collins was ahead of his time!
As testament to this, watch his "This Is Your Life" episode (I think it's still on YT), and see how his previously jovial expression changes when a clearly unwanted (and entirely irrelevant to Lewis Collins' life and career) Jimmy Savile is unexpectedly introduced.
Lewis Collins - sadly missed.
Wasn't aware of how much talent this man had. Amazing.
I never thought of Lewis Collins as Bond, but dammit he’d have been brilliant.. I loved The Professionals
one of the best.still watching the professionals all these years later.the best bond we never had.his family should be proud.
Lewis was a very underrated actor and loved watching him as a kid and an adult.
When I was about 8, watching The Professionals, I thought Lewis Collins was the coolest man alive.
Still can't believe he has gone and still plenty of yrs ahead of him. Just didn't understand how he didnt go onto superstardom..a great actor..fit..a genuine guy easy to work with could do comedy well too..was so good in The Cuckoo Waltz as Gavin.. Rest in Peace Lewis..
In my 20's I loved watching the Professionals, I was into cars and was going out enjoying myself. The Professionals were about that and the guys had a great sense of humour. Lewis was the type of guy I wanted to be and now at the age of 69 I find it so sad that he has gone. Many thanks for this great and interesting video which included parts of his life I never knew.
Nice one mate
I'm nearly ten years younger but know what you mean
A great British actor with such a cheeky smile. It was great that he was part of my childhood TV viewing.❤️
There was only 1 Bodie #RIPlewiscollins 🕊🕊
WOW...I'M BLOWN AWAY.....WHAT A ACTOR HE WAS...RIP LEWIS ...GOD BLESS
Such a shame he wasn't cast as James Bond.
I didn't know much about his early career, but was a big fan of the professionals as a child.
I didn't actually know that he'd passed. So sad. Thanks for posting this tribute..
A gorgeous man, in spite of the (often) awful hair, I had such a crush on him when he was in the Professionals, which was essential viewing, back then.
I remember "Who Dares Wins," but not much else that he did.
Love the professionals!!, all 3 cast were always on top form!!
I gave my eldest son the middle name 'Lewis' after Lewis Collins. I was 19 when the Professionals appeared and I was mesmerized by him...I had a crush on him. I still have the Professionals annual/book from that time. That's staying with me...lol
I agree with other comments on here about his ability to be James Bond. "They" should have signed him up...
A side note...I was in Bidston recently. My Mother came from there...
Thank you for posting this video...
Your welcome:)
The best James Bond that never was.
He was brilliant in The Cuckoo Waltz and The Professionals.
RIP Lewis Collins.
Oh gosh, so sad watching this. He was 10 yrs older than me and he was my hearthrob in the Professionals. I watched everything on TV that he was in. There was a lot of stuff in this video that I never knew about him; that he wanted to be in the SAS and that he was in the territorials. He was a real life action man for sure. So sad that such a vital, energetic and larger than life man should die of something so diminishing as cancer and so young. In the closing credits I will admit that I shed a few tears. RIP Lewis. 💝💝💝
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A very handsome man !!!...a hero in my teens as the Professionals...beautiful presented video, thank you for putting this together and sharing !
Thank you for making this I really enjoyed the tribute forget how great he was thanks for sharing
Regards
Lewis Collins was so popular and endearing to people because he was charismatic, fun and had a twinkle in his eye and a naughty boy persona.
Thanks for the effort in putting this together for history. RIP Lewis - you brought a lot of people (and teenage kids as Bodie) a great deal of pleasure. WDWs was a great action film, watched it again 2 nights ago.
The professionals was brilliant& he passed the sas entrance…top man👍
In 1980 I was 18 and on a Friday night, I skipped the pub and watched The Professionals at 9-10pm LWT, and then straight on to the nightclub Instead and with a spring in my step! Bodie was my favourite character in the show. Who dares wins was as close to a Bond movie as he got to but a great movie though. He would have been a great Bond straight after The Pros. He even missed out on the New Professionals, not surprisingly that flopped on both sides of the Atlantic. If only we could rewrite history.
In summary, most young men like a hero to look up to, and in that Lew never failed us.
A truly Great British Actor. He was in things that I never even knew about, such as Z cars which I remember very well from when I was a youngster growing up in Liverpool. Lewis was a very versatile Actor and truly a Mans Man, the sort of guy that most young lads would look up to. I thought it was very touching that he took his sons and showed them where he grew up when he knew he was sick. RIP Lewis and thank you for giving us so much enjoyment.
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Nicely said 👏🏿👏🏿
@@2bsure 👍👍
Beautifully said. I was 21 years old when they showed "The Professionals" in Argentina in 1980. It was one of my favourite shows and I remember it with great affection. BTW, here goes a salute to another magnificent actor, the underrated Gordon Jackson (RIP). Lest We Forget.
@@arslongavitabrevis5136 Yes, you are right my friend. Gordon Jackson was another of the greats from an early age. From Upstairs downstairs to films such as The great Escape. RIP .
R.I.P Lewis Collins, and thank you Mark for putting this lovely video together and information, have a great evening, Sonique 🙏🤗
I loved the professionals as a kid. Great memories.
I didn't realize that Lewis Collins could sing ? & Did so much in his early career,I only remember him in the professionals, & who dares wins ,went to see it with my sister in the 80 's sad really.
Great video, really enjoyed it.💖💖
R.i .p Lewis Collins.🙏
really enjoyed that..he would of made a good James Bond ..the curtains closed well to early on Lewis .RIP
Nice one rick
A wonderful actor with a great range. So sad he left us at still a young age, a life cut too short. The great Bond that never was .He would have been totally believable as Bond, having the charisma, the edge, the physical presence and also the humour to carry off the famous one liners. We miss you Lewis.
Met him in Cardiff early 80s nice chap and a great actor sad so young to pass.
I used to love this guy! I watched the Professionals with my dad when I was a nipper and was fascinated by it all. I loved the old cars, the Capris and the Cortinas I remember them well my dad used to spray them sometimes. Such a sad loss he was a great guy Lewis and a lovely person. Always witty and funny. Thanks for uploading this!
Cubby Broccoli missed what would have been one of the best James Bond’s of them all. Lewis was perfect for that role. Cubby picked Timothy Dalton. A man who wasn’t in Lewis Collins’ league as an action actor.
Broccoli preferred the wooden Dalton who was totally miscast. Only George .'Big Fry' Lazenby and his ego was worse
TD was probably the worst James Bond. Lewis would definitely have been a better bond.
I think Dalton was a great bond, but lewis would have been great too for sure. They actually look alike too.
Dalton had more charm
@@simonp7095 I would say he had the right kind of charm. They both have charm, but Lewis was more rugged. In that way I think broccoli got it right, Dalton was a more sophisticated guy
Such a charismatic actor.. in today's world and the actors in it Colin's would have been at the very top.. a British huge Jackman easily. What a wonderful tribute by the way.. can't believe how emotion that brought out watching this.
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I couldn't believe it back in 2013 when he passed...He'd have made a fantastic Bond, in spite of what Broccoli thought. He had the physical prowess of Connery with the suave wit and humour of Moore, along with his own natural style. Around that same time the late Michael Billington...aka..."Col. Paul Foster" from "UFO"...was also pipped to play Bond as well...I remember when Collins appeared in season 3 of "Robin Of Sherwood" in 86 as a Sheriff hired to capture Hood MK2....
That was my ideal role for him. Such a shame it never happened.
@@oldboygeorge7688 👍🏼👍🏼
I knew Lewis he was such a Great man a lot of fun had big respect for women and never a foul word came from him.
Lewis was an excellent parachutist, many times I sat in the co-pilots seat climbing to 12000. feet then Lewis and all the other lads would depart the aircraft (Islander) to Free-fall.
It is a VERY sad day having now learnt that Lewis is no longer with us.
Lewis and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
And also All at the parachute club.
Thank you Lewis for being you. RIP.
JB. East Surrey. UK.
A really lovely tribute to a great actor, I agree with other comments, he would have been a brilliant Bond. RIP 💗
Good one Susanne :)
one of my favourite actors of all time
He was a big mate of John Conteh. Great of course in The professionals but was at his finest in comedy and musical theatre. Leading man looks and superb comedy timing. I grew up on the Cookoo Waltz.
I had a crush on him he was gorgeous. I thought he was so sexy. So sad that he passed away he was a true honest to God professional may he rest in everlasting peace.