Dinsdale Landen was educated at King's School, Rochester and spent a time at the Florence Moore Drama School. This was followed by National Service with the RAF, during which time, he joined a drama group. Upon demobilisation, he joined Worthing rep. He has enjoyed an extensive career in the cinema, television and the theatre. He announced his retirement from acting in 1998, upon the diagnosis of oral cancer. He died of pneumonia on 29th December 2003, aged 71 and he left a widow, the actress 'Jennifer Daniel . At the time of his death, the cancer was in remission.
He attended Hove County Grammar School and the Kings School, Rochester. Having studied for the stage at the Florence Moore Theatre Studios, Hove, he made his first professional appearance in 1946 at the Dolphin Theatre, Brighton, as "Bimbo" in Ian Hay s comedy, "Housemaster".
His hobbies included golf and walking.
He was considered for many roles in "Doctor Who" prior to eventually appearing in "Doctor Who" {The Curse of Fenric: Part One (#26.8)} . He was booked to play Ganatus in "Doctor Who" {The Escape (#1.7)} , but because dates changed due to production problems, he had to drop out. Philip Bond took over his role. He was shortlisted for Professor Watson (played by Glyn Houston ) in "Doctor Who" {The Hand of Fear: Part Two (#14.6)} . He was offered the part of Lord Palmerdale (played by Sean Caffrey ) in "Doctor Who" {Horror of Fang Rock: Part Two (#15.2)} . He was also considered for Ambril (played by John Carson ) in "Doctor Who" {Snakedance: Part One } , Ranulf (played by Frank Windsor ) in "Doctor Who" {The Kings Demons: Part One (#20.21)} , and Lord Ravensworth (played by Terence Alexander ) in "Doctor Who" {The Mark of the Rani: Part One (#22.5)} .
He was considered for the roles of Dr. Armstrong, Sir Percy, the Pathologist and the Prime Minister in Lifeforce .
