John "Basher" Alderson led a colorful life considering his origins in a mining village in the north of England. After spending all of two weeks as a miner, he lied about his age, joined the British Army and attained the rank of Major. Leaving for the US, he married a General's secretary and got into the movies, often playing villains. He played the Gum Chewer in Blazing Saddles.
Arrived in Hollywood in 1949.
Was an expert horseman and appeared in many film and TV westerns. He starred in his own western series as Sgt. Bullock in "Boots and Saddles" .
(1973-1982) Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall.
