Freddy Marks
Freddy Marks (born on 10 September 1949 in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England) is an English musician and writer. He is best known for being part of the musical trio Rod, Jane and Freddy which appeared in children's programming on the British TV channel ITV in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Freddy Marks has always been interested in music and the theatre from a very young age. He played in various bands in his hometown and often appeared in different shows and amateur productions at his local youth theatre. He trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama in London from 1968–1971.
His career before Rainbow was highly successful; he appeared in numerous London theatre productions, most notably playing Brad in The Rocky Horror Show in the West End. He appeared in dozens of commercials and famous TV series including Z-Cars, The Sweeney, The Professionals and Churchill's People.
Rainbow
In 1979 Freddy auditioned to join the cast of Rainbow, the award-winning children's TV show, when they were looking for a new musician/singer/songwriter to replace Roger Walker, who had quit the show in order to focus on acting. Freddy got the job immediately and joined the two existing musicians Rod Burton and Jane Tucker and the now famous trio of Rod, Jane and Freddy was formed.
The Rod, Jane and Freddy Show
Towards the end of 1980 Rod, Jane and Freddy were approached by ITV to do their own show. Plans went through to create a series of mini-musicals to be written and recorded by the trio, and in January 1981 the Rod, Jane and Freddy Show aired its first episode. They made 7 series in total, writing and performing some magical and memorable songs. Rod, Jane and Freddy appeared in both their own show and Rainbow for 10 years until in 1990 when Thames TV lost their franchise and Rainbow came to an end. Freddy played the role of 'Freddy' in the show.
Touring
After the Rod, Jane and Freddy Show finished in 1991, Rod, Jane and Freddy took their show on the road and toured extensively across the UK playing every major theatre for the next six years. In 1996 they won the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters (BACS) Gold Badge Award for outstanding contribution to the music industry.
Present
Since 1996 Freddy has written scripts for Sooty, Playdays, Wizadora and performed in pantomimes with Rod and Jane.
Today Freddy still writes and records music and as of 2012, is about to release his first solo record. Freddy's new direction incorporates 'educational songs for the under fives, with a hip hop feel'. Marks has co written some songs with actor Dean Gaffney.
Personal life
Marks has been in a long-standing relationship with co-star Jane Tucker. The Goodies star and TV presenter Bill Oddie revealed on the panel show Would I Lie to You? that Marks once saved him from drowning.[1]
External links
- Freddy Marks at the Internet Movie Database
- Freddy Marks at the Internet Movie Database (as Frederick)
- Rod, Jane and Freddy biography
- Rod, Jane and Freddy songs
- Official Episode List
- Rod, Jane and Freddy mini website
- British Film Institute Screen Online episode list