PETER CUSHING'S 80TH BIRTHDAY ON 26TH MAY 1993 WAS CELEBRATED BY A MAGNIFICENT SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY. FRIENDS ATTENDING INCLUDED DON HENDERSON, PAUL EDDINGTON, MICHAEL GOUGH, TIMOTHY WEST, ERNIE WISE, HIS LONG TIME FRIEND PETER GRAY, MICHAEL AND ANN REDINGTON AND MANY MORE.
HERE WE PRESENT SOME IMAGES FROM A VERY HAPPY AND SPECIAL DAY:
Michael Gough worked with Peter in Hammer Films 58 DRACULA as Arthur Holmwood. He is one of the first to arrive at the secret venue.
Paul Eddington, best known to Hammer fans for his role as Richard Eaton in 'The Devil Rides Out' and the highly BBC television series 'Yes, Minister', sneaks in the back door.
As the last of the guests are slipping into the living room, Peter arrives with his secretary Joyce Broughton, who unknown to Peter has arranged the secret party. Peter is told to go into the living room, were someone wants to wish him a 'Happy Birthday'
Sheepishly, Peter peeps around the doorway....
...where everyone surprises him by bursting into song, singing 'Happy Birthday To You'....
Peter is delighted and very surprised and joins in with the singing.
The singing and cheering ends with 'Three Cheers for Peter', as Peter recovers from the shock!
One by one, Peter greets his guest, with hugs and handshakes.
Peter embraces actress Rebecca Lacey, daughter of Ronald Lacey. Someone we suspect Peter has known since she was a child.
Bearing gifts and a Birthday Card...Ernie Wise. One half of the celebrated comedy duo 'Morecambe and Wise'. Peter appeared on their variety television show, a total of six times....asking for his money...!
Another old friend, actor Timothy West.
Fellow actor, Don Henderson who worked with Peter as General Taggi aboard the Death Star in 'Star Wars' and played Peter's 'son in the attic' in Tyburn Films 'The Ghoul' in 1975. With him his wife, actress Shirley Stelfox. Shirley appeared with Peter back in 1967, when she played 'Girl at the Party' in 'Corruption'!
Another chorus of 'Happy Birthday'....
Peter puts on his reading glasses to inspect his Birthday Cake, a one-off creation, decorated with motifs reflecting Peter's life and career.
Finally, as a gesture of thanks and appreciation......
Peter stands to attention...and salutes everyone for a cake and a party very well done, indeed!
Peter poses for the press. Raising a thankful glass in appreciation for a wonderful surprise party and a 'Very Happy 80th Birthday'!
