Ian Yule(1933-2020)
- Actor
- Writer
- Stunts
Ian Yule was a professional soldier for much of his adult life; a
career soldier who saw service all over the world. He broke into films
after working as an uncredited stunt man on two classics:Ben-Hur (1959)and
The Longest Day (1962).His ease and familiarity with firearms, and his thorough
knowledge of fighting men made him perfect for casting in action films
and as a 'tough guy,' and he landed his first early parts in the late
1960s.
By the 1970s, he was picking up regular work, generally in character roles with a gun in his hand. Early noticeable roles included Woods, a mercenary, in theVal GuestthrillerKiller Force (1976)andGolden Rendezvous (1977)withRichard Harris. Yule worked with Harris again inThe Wild Geese (1978),in which his previous military background made him perfect casting as the tough cockney sergeant Tosh Donaldson. In fact, Yule had once been a mercenary, serving in the Congo with Colonel "Mad"Mike Hoare's 5 Commando. His links with Hoare led to the latter being hired as military advisor on the film, while Yule doubled up as actor and weapons instructor.
Later movies -- nearly all of them made in South Africa -- included the epic prequelZulu Dawn (1979),Shamwari (1982),Safari 3000 (1982),andJake Speed (1986),co-starring with John Hurt.Yule's recent credits have included a string of 'B' movies such asRiver of Death (1989),Point of Impact (1993),Merchant of Death (1997),andTraitor's Heart (1999).
Ian Yule continues to reside in South Africa.
By the 1970s, he was picking up regular work, generally in character roles with a gun in his hand. Early noticeable roles included Woods, a mercenary, in theVal GuestthrillerKiller Force (1976)andGolden Rendezvous (1977)withRichard Harris. Yule worked with Harris again inThe Wild Geese (1978),in which his previous military background made him perfect casting as the tough cockney sergeant Tosh Donaldson. In fact, Yule had once been a mercenary, serving in the Congo with Colonel "Mad"Mike Hoare's 5 Commando. His links with Hoare led to the latter being hired as military advisor on the film, while Yule doubled up as actor and weapons instructor.
Later movies -- nearly all of them made in South Africa -- included the epic prequelZulu Dawn (1979),Shamwari (1982),Safari 3000 (1982),andJake Speed (1986),co-starring with John Hurt.Yule's recent credits have included a string of 'B' movies such asRiver of Death (1989),Point of Impact (1993),Merchant of Death (1997),andTraitor's Heart (1999).
Ian Yule continues to reside in South Africa.
