Jonathan Linsley

Jonathan Linsley
Born	(1956-01-17)17 January 1956 Bradford,West Riding of Yorkshire,England
Alma mater	Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Years active	1980–present
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)

Jonathan Linsley(born 17 January 1956) is a British actor, best known for his role as 'Crusher' Milburn in the popular TV seriesLast of the Summer Wine.Linsley started his acting career in the 1980s and gained popularity for his comedic roles. BesidesLast of the Summer Wine,he has appeared in various films and TV shows, includingPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s ChestandAt World's End.Known for his tall stature and charming personality, Jonathan Linsley remains a beloved figure in British television.

Early life

Linsley's father was fromRamsgate,Kent and his mother fromCockfield, County Durham;they met during theSecond World Warwhen his father was stationed with the tank regiment atBarnard Castle.Linsley was born at Bradford, and raised atHalesowen,nearBirmingham,from the age of three, when his father's work dictated relocation, then atTamworth, Staffordshire.When his father retired from industry, he bought a shop in the town ofSkipton,North Yorkshire.Here Linsley attendedErmysted's Grammar School,during which time he joined theNational Youth Theatre,then, despite an interest in working as an actor (encouraged byOnly Fools and HorsesactorKenneth MacDonald,who directed Linsley in a play), he was persuaded by his parents to attend university; he initially read English and American Studies at theUniversity of Warwick,but changed courses after the first year, to Theatre Studies. He was then awarded one of two available bursaries, enabling him to undertake a one-year post-graduate course at theBristol Old Vic Theatre School.After completing his studies he entered repertory theatre atIpswich,before getting his first television work in advertisements. He won the role of "Crusher" Milburn in the 1985Last of the Summer Winestage play, which went on a short commercial tour including theBeck TheatreatHayes, Hillingdon,Cardiff,andEastbourne.

Personal Life

Jonathan Linsley is a British actor best known for his role as "Crusher" in the popular sitcomLast of the Summer Wine.He was born on 17 January 1956 inYorkshire,England;not much is publicly known about his personal life, as he tends to keep it private. He studied atthe University of Hulland later pursued a career in acting. Outside of acting, Linsley enjoys traveling and has worked in theatre productions across theUK.Despite his fame ontelevision,he leads a relatively low-key personal life away from the spotlight.

Television

In 1984, Linsley played a chef in a sitcom calledThe Hello Good-bye Manon BBC withIan Lavender;the show lasted for only one series. Shortly after this, he took the role of large and strong, but dim-witted, "Crusher" Milburn inLast of the Summer Wine.He appeared in this role until 1987 when he elected to go on a diet and was written out of the series. In 1989, Linsley starred as Chunky Livesey in the second and final series of the spin-off prequelFirst of the Summer Wine,to replace Anthony Keetch who starred as the character in the first series in 1988.

Linsley also appeared as a leading character in the TV showsEmmerdale(Albert Mistlethwaite),Casualty(DC Newby),The Bill(Dennis Weaver) andThe Governor(Bert Threlfall) and as a leading guest actor in many other TV shows and made-for-TV films. He has also made over 50 TV commercials.

Theatre

HisWest Endcareer includes the comedyUp'n'Under,Roald Dahl'sMatilda,Its RalphandA Midsummer Night's Dream.He appeared inrepin many cities aroundBritain,and wrote for and appeared inpantomimeswith various other actors.

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1988	Diamond's Edge	Bouncer
1989	The Phantom of the Opera	Workman
1999	Dead Bolt Dead	The Hit Man
2002	The Great Dome Robbery	James Hurley
2006	Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest	Ogilvey (Dutchman)
2007	Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
2007	National Treasure: Book of Secrets	Buckingham Palace Guard	Uncredited
2011	Patient 17	Gilbert
2016	The National Union of Space People	Antique Dealer

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1984	The Hello Goobye Man	The Chef!	1 episode
1984–1987	Last of the Summer Wine	Crusher Milburn	20 episodes
1989	First of the Summer Wine	Chunky Livesey	Episode: "Ain't Love Dangerous"
2005	Dalziel and Pascoe	Clive Jacobs	Episode: "The Dig"(2 parts)

External links

• New York Times listing
• Jonathan LinsleyatIMDb
• Jonathan LinsleyonLinkedIn
• Jonathan Linsley