Alexander John Gauge (29 July 1914 – 29 August 1960) was a British film and television actor, most widely recognized for his portrayal of Friar Tuck in the ITV television series The Adventures of Robin Hood, which aired from 1955 to 1959.
Early Life and Career Born in Wenzhou, China, to British parents, Alexander Gauge was educated in England at St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown, South Africa, and later at Cambridge University. He began his acting career on the stage, gaining experience in various theatrical productions.
Gauge made his film debut in the early 1950s, quickly establishing himself as a reliable character actor, often cast in roles that leveraged his somewhat portly build and distinctive voice. He frequently played pompous, bumbling, or authoritative figures.
Notable Roles His most famous role was as Friar Tuck in The Adventures of Robin Hood. The series, starring Richard Greene as Robin Hood, was immensely popular and made Gauge a household name in Britain and beyond. His portrayal of the jovial, food-loving, yet courageous Friar Tuck endeared him to audiences.
Other notable film appearances include:
- The Runaway Bus (1954) as Mr. Frankley
- The Green Man (1956) as Chairman
- Doctor at Large (1957) as Dr. Soapy Hunter
- The Iron Petticoat (1956) as Colonel Sverdlov
- Murder She Said (1961), released posthumously, as Inspector Craddock
He also appeared in numerous other television productions during the 1950s.
Death Alexander Gauge's promising career was cut short when he died suddenly in 1960 at the age of 46. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's, East Barnet, London. His final film, Murder She Said, was released the year after his death.