Peter Burton (4 April 1921 - 21 November 1989) was an English film and television actor born in Bromley, Kent. He is perhaps best known for being the first actor to portray Major Boothroyd, better known as Q, in the first James Bond film, Dr. No (1962). Due to a scheduling conflict, Burton was not available to reprise the role for From Russia with Love (1963) and therefore was replaced by long time Q actor Desmond Llewelyn. Despite never reprising his role as Q, Burton did however make two uncredited reappearances in Bond movies, first as an RAF officer in Thunderball (1965), and later as a secret agent in the satirical Casino Royale.Burton guest starred in a number of television shows including The Avengers, The Saint, Return of the Saint, and UFO.
He was the first actor to portray 'Q' in the James Bond film series (although he was billed as Major Boothroyd). He was unavailable for From Russia with Love (1963) and was replaced by Desmond Llewelyn, who played the character till his death in 1999.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Leopard in the Snow
1978
Mr. Framley
Lovebox
1972
Charles Lambert (Charles and Margery) (as Peter Burdon)
A Clockwork Orange
1971
Junior Minister - Minister Frederick's Aid
Carry on at Your Convenience
1971
Hotel Manager
UFO
1970-1971
TV Series
Dr. Murray / Perry
Brett
1971
TV Series
Boone
All the Right Noises
1971
Stage Manager
Hell Boats
1970
Admiral's Aide
Amsterdam Affair
1968
Herman Ketelboer
Berserk
1967
Gustavo
Man in a Suitcase
1967
TV Series
Anderson
The Saint
1967
TV Series
Claude Molliere
Judith
1966
Conklin
The Avengers
1966
TV Series
Fleming
That Kind of Girl
1963
Elliot Collier
Lawrence of Arabia
1962
Sheik in Arab Council (uncredited)
The Swingin' Maiden
1962
Thompson's Salesman
Dr. No
1962
Major Boothroyd
The Six Proud Walkers
1962
TV Series
Det. Supt. Arrowsmith
ITV Television Playhouse
1961
TV Series
Sir Ben Cheviot
Roommates
1961
1st Viola
The Pursuers
1961
TV Series
Paul De Bois
On Trial
1960
TV Series
Henry Matthews QC
ITV Play of the Week
1960
TV Series
The Commodore
Sink the Bismarck!
1960
Captain (First Destroyer)
Make Mine a Double
1959
2nd Pilot
A Night to Remember
1958
1st Class Steward (uncredited)
O.S.S.
1958
TV Series
Spanish Major
White Hunter
1958
TV Series
Chauvet
Five on a Treasure Island
1957
Hour of Mystery
1957
TV Series
Walter Hartright
The Betrayal
1957
Tony Adams
Child in the House
1956
Howard Forbes (uncredited)
Reach for the Sky
1956
Peter / Coltishall Officer (uncredited)
The Third Key
1956
Creasey
Spin a Dark Web
1956
Inspector Collis
Johnny You're Wanted
1956
Value for Money
1955
Hotel Receptionist (uncredited)
Three Cases of Murder
1955
Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs (segment "Lord Mountdrago")