Gerald Theron Campion (born 23 April 1921 in Bloomsbury, London; died 9 July 2002 in Agen, Aquitaine, France) was an English actor best known for his role as Billy Bunter in a 1950s television adaptation of books by Frank Richards (Charles Hamilton).The son of a screen writer, Cyril Campion, Gerald Campion appeared in numerous films and television programmes — mostly comedies. In 1937 he appeared in Tavs Neiiendam's radio play Inspiration to a Poet on the BBC Home Service.His only major success was as Bunter, a juvenile role he played successfully despite being much older than his character (he was 40 when the series ended). In 1979 he recorded an appearance in Shada, a Doctor Who story which was recorded in part but never broadcast.After dropping out of acting, he ran clubs and restaurants in London's Soho, the most famous - and enduring - of which is Gerry's, a private member's club attracting a mainly theatrical membership.Campion later reprised the role of Bunter (now Lord Bunter of Hove, who had succeeded in betting shops and property) in the BBC Radio 7 series Whatever Happened to...? in the episode that speculated on whether his form master at Greyfriars School, Horace Henry Samuel Quelch, became a secret agent.
Attended University College School, Hampstead. Subsequently trained for acting at RADA. During World War II, served as a wireless operator with the RAF in Kenya.
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A devotee of French cuisine, he owned and managed several successful restaurants in North London, Hastingleigh (Kent) and Tunbridge Wells.
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Gerald's mother Blanche Louise Bear was Charles Chaplin's first cousin. Her mother was Blanche Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin's aunt.
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He was also a regular correspondent in the letters columns of London dailies and BBC radio's "Any Answers?".
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After 1969, Campion's major career was as a restaurateur.
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