by Hal Erickson
biography
Actor Raymond Huntley made his first professional appearance with the Birmingham Repertory at age 18. In 1927, Huntley played the title character in the original London production of Dracula; he tested for the film version, but lost out to Bela Lugosi. Top-billed in his stage efforts, Huntley's film career was largely limited to supporting roles. He played many a Nazi and/or fascist during the war years, then portrayed an abundance of condescending officials, brusque business executives and club-car boors. On television, Raymond Huntley gained worldwide fame as lawyer Geoffrey Dillon on Upstairs Downstairs; he was also featured as Emmanuel Holroyd in the 1973 British TV comedy series That's Your Funeral.
