Mark Wynter: The Teen Idol Turned accomplished Actor

A Career Spanning Music and Theatre

Mark Wynter, born Terence Sidney Lewis on January 29, 1943, is an English singer and actor who rose to fame in the 1960s as a teen idol, known for his charming voice and captivating stage presence. With a string of Top 20 singles, including "Venus in Blue Jeans" and "Go Away Little Girl," Wynter became a household name in the UK, paving the way for a successful transition into acting in film, musicals, and plays.

Early Beginnings and Musical Roots

Wynter's early start in music led him to adopt a stage name to avoid confusion with the American comedian, Jerry Lewis. This strategic move marked the beginning of a fruitful music career, with his first single, "Dream Girl," entering the UK's Eurovision Song Contest in 1961. Although he finished fourth behind The Allisons, this exposure propelled Wynter into the spotlight.

Breakthrough and Success in Music

In 1962, Wynter's cover of Jimmy Clanton's "Venus in Blue Jeans" became his biggest hit, cementing his status as a pop sensation. This success was followed by a series of singles released on the Decca and Pye labels in the UK. Despite his prolific output, Wynter recorded few albums, a gap in his discography that would later be filled by the discovery of old tapes in 2004.

An Unfortunate Incident and a New Direction

In a dramatic turn of events, Wynter narrowly escaped a burning Boeing 707 aircraft, BOAC Flight 712, which caught fire shortly after landing at Heathrow Airport on April 8, 1968. This traumatic experience marked a turning point in Wynter's career, as he began to shift his focus towards acting.

A Shift to Theatre and Musical Theatre

Wynter's transition into acting was seamless, with leading roles in notable productions such as "Conduct Unbecoming" at the Queens Theatre in London and Australia, and "On the Twentieth Century" alongside Julia McKenzie. His performances in "Charleys Aunt" and "Side By Side By Sondheim" in Toronto, Chichester, and on the UK tour solidified his reputation as a talented actor.

Career Highlights and Notable Performances

• Leading role in "Conduct Unbecoming" for over a year at the Queens Theatre in London and Australia
• Performance in "On the Twentieth Century" with Julia McKenzie
• Starred in "Side By Side By Sondheim" in Toronto, Chichester, and on the UK tour
• Acted in several plays during the 1982 Chichester Festival season, including "On The Rocks" and "Henry V"
• Sang in "Valmouth" during the 1982 Chichester Festival season
• Played the King in a revival of "The King and I"
• Portrayed the title roles in "Hans Andersen" and "Barnum"
• Starred in the 1986 revival of "Charlie Girl" with Cyd Charisse and Paul Nicholas in London

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Mark Wynter's remarkable journey from teen idol to accomplished actor serves as a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. With a career spanning multiple decades, Wynter has left an indelible mark on the world of music and theatre, inspiring generations of artists to follow in his footsteps.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Wynter's personal life has been marked by significant events, including his near-fatal experience in the 1968 plane crash. This incident, although traumatic, did not deter him from pursuing his passion for music and acting. Instead, it fueled his determination to explore new creative avenues, resulting in a rich and diverse body of work.