Andrew Osborn (4)

ANDREW OSBORN - PRODUCER Andrew Osborn was born on 9th April, 1910 in Romford, Essex, England. He began his career as an actor, training at RADA, and later appearing on the London stage and in films such as 'Angels One Five' in 1954. According to The Stage Osborn's first television role was in 1948 when he appeared in a comedy called 'The Truth about Blayds' written by A.A. Milne. Osborn joined the BBC in 1961 as a staff producer on series such as Dr Finlay's Casebook, and went on to become Head of Drama Series in 1965. Over the next ten years Osborn was responsible for giving us series such as Z Cars, The Troubleshooters, When the Boat Comes In, Sherlock Holmes, Maigret, The Expert, Colditz, and, of course, The Lotus Eaters. He was awarded an OBE in the 1973 New Year's Honours List. Interviewed early in 1973 Osborn said "I know I am criticised for not being more adventurous or more experimental. I don't think it's true and series like The Onedin Line and Colditz and The Troubleshooters ... even The Lotus Eaters all broke new ground." In August 1973 'The Stage' reported that Osborn was to leave the BBC in June the following year "to have a break and turn freelance". He was replaced by Ronnie Marsh the, then, Head of Drama Serials. Marsh's position was taken by William Slater, who would later direct and produce Who Pays the Ferryman? Five years on it was all change again when the BBC decided to combine the two departments - Drama Series and Drama Serials - under Graeme McDonald. The Stage reported that Ronnie Marsh would become "special assistant to the drama group" with particular responsibility for co-productions and co-financings at least until he reached his retirement age of 60 the following year. The last series Andrew Osborn produced was The Aphrodite Inheritance in 1978/79. Director Viktors Ritelis said Osborn was suffering from cancer of the lymph gland. Osborn died on 13th March, 1985 in Chiltern, Buckinghamshire, England.