
John Swindells
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- June 22, 1931
- Died
- February 11, 2026 (aged 94)
- Birthplace
- Liverpool, England, UK
Biography
John Swindells, a Liverpool native and former student of Quarry Bank Grammar School and Liverpool College of Art, established his international career in the arts. Settled in Victoria, B.C., since 1973, he's known for leading roles across UK stages, Toronto, Canadian theatres, and even in New York and US regional theatres. His work spans television, including 65 episodes of “Z.Cars” as Sgt Ted Bowman (BBC, 1970-1973) and a role as Inspector Ted Bowman in CBC’s “Side Street” (1977-1980). He portrayed J.E.H. McDonald in CBC’s “The Passionate Canadians,” which focused on the "Group of Seven" artists. He made a guest appearance in “B.L. Stryker” (US). Swindells notably played First Technician in Stanley Kubrick's landmark film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. His biography is included in “Who’s Who in the Theatre, Contemporary Stage, Film, and Television” (1983).
Known For
Filmography
Butterbox Babies
Movie · as Judge Doull

The Donor
Movie · as Armand Perris

The Women of Windsor
Movie · as Police Instructor

Passion and Paradise
Movie · as Col. R.A. Erskine Lindop

Friends, Lovers, & Lunatics
Movie · as Ned

Age of Innocence
Movie · as Griffen

Sidestreet
TV · as Inspector Bowman · 8 eps

Assault
Movie · as Desk Sergeant

Shadows of Fear
TV · as Postman · 1 ep

2001: A Space Odyssey
Movie · as TMA-1 Site Technician #1 (uncredited)

The Troubleshooters
TV · as Arthur Marl · 1 ep