MovieChat Forums > The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972) Discussion > Tony Maiden

Tony Maiden

posted 18 years ago by cooperhmc
9 replies | jump to latest

I noted on another site that, whilst there is no information about Tony, there is a date of death of 17/02/2004. Does anyone know if this is definitely true and, if so, what happened to him? He could only have been in his mid 40's so, if true, is incredibly tragic.

Albert was always my favourite character when I watched Black Beauty as a child. He always injected the comic element into the show and was one of those characters who couldn't seem to do anything right no matter how hard he tried which made him so endearing. If Tony has, indeed passed away, it will make it harder for me to watch the lively, cheeky young lad he was on screen on my dvd of the show. Tony, you brought a lot of pleasure to one little girl as she grew up. Rest in Peace.

[–] trinitymplayers 18 years ago

I agree with your assessment about Tony Maiden; I liked his character of Albert too. Actually, he was a later addition to the show; he joined on about halfway through the first season. However, he wasn't completely a comic relief character; indeed towards the end of the first season he got to play almost as heroic a part as Beauty (particularly the last episode WILD JUSTICE, where he headlines a private investigation, imagining himself as Sherlock Holmes, to clear Beauty and Dr. Gordon of a crime they didn't commit). I too would like to know how he died; he could only have been in his 40s. Rest in Peace.

[–] JB-9 18 years ago

I've just seen your mail concerning Tony Maiden's death. This is my first time to hear this. Have you found out yet if it's true? I got a Christmas present of Best of Black Beauty series 1 and so I had a chance to look at Albert again. If you hear anything more please let me know. What site did you see his death on?

If you find out for definate please let me know.

Bye for now,

Jim

[–] cooperhmc 18 years ago

Hi there

Well, the only information I found was on tv.com in the entry for Black Beauty where there is a date of death for Tony but no other information. Since then I have become the editor for that section and have added all the episode information for both seasons. I have also been, gradually, updating the IMDB information with guest stars on this site although am frustrated that they take so long to update and have even put some information in incorrectly. Anyway, I have yet to trace the person who added the date of death for Tony to verify if this is true. Also, despite extensive web searches can find no information to confirm or refute this. It remains a mystery. I really hope its not true. However, I guess, to me, Tony will always be that cheeky circa 14/15 year old boy, full of bravado, who lit up the screen whenever he appeared. All the best episodes, for me, were the ones he appeared in. Personal favourites are:

"The Horsebreaker"
"Wild Justice"
"The Escape"
"Sailor on a Horse"
"The Medicine Man"
"Foul Play"
"Lost Goddess"
"The Secret of Fear"

Well, basically any episode he was in! I have every episode every made and have really enjoyed the nostalgia of reliving my childhood watching this lovely show. Do check out the tv.com site - all the info about all the episodes is there. If I find out anything further re Tony will let you know - or if you do, please do let me know. I really do hope that the information is incorrect but, until I have concrete evidence will have to leave the information as it is.

[–] cooperhmc 18 years ago

Ok - I contacted the other contributor to Black Beauty on the tv tome ( tv.com as is now) site re Tony and his date of death that appears on there and this is what she said:

"A long time ago on TV Tome a couple contacted me about Tony Maiden. They told me they´ve worked with him a long time and asked a lot about him. They said he passed away if I remember right. The question came from an AOL address, maybe they´re asking again?. I never had proved information about Tony Maidens death, so I did not add it to TV Tome.
I only know he was a traveling comedian."

So, there you are. She did not add the date of death - I am presuming that the people who contacted her were the ones who did this after they contacted her. I have asked her whether she retained their address so that I can contact them directly and will let you know how I get on. It is possible that it is another person entirely but the fact that he went onto become a travelling comedian fits with Tony's talents.

Cheers
Helen

[–] perception_twin_tbe 18 years ago

tonys death was unexpected. some things are better left unsaid. he is sadly missed and as a family member i thank you for being so concerned. and thank you for following his work.

[–] cooperhmc 17 years ago

Apologies that it has taken me so long to see this. Thanks for your response and my condolences for the loss of a loved family member. As someone who has lost loved ones I empathise and can relate to how painful it can be to talk of. Tony was a very talented young performer. I did not know the true Tony but he was someone who really stuck out from my childhood memories( and I was very young) so he obviously made a strong impression. I was saddened to hear of his passing but never meant to pry. Once again my condolences to you and all who loved Tony and I really appreciate you coming on here to post your message.

Best Wishes
Helen

[–] trinitymplayers 10 years ago

I am very sorry to read this. Although this is seven years late, I would also like to express my sympathy for this talented actor's passing.

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