Ralph Truman died in Ipswich on 15 October 1977 – and his second wife Mimi also died a few years later in that area. However there are few details about his second wife or where he lived although I have a feeling it could have been Bungay in Suffolk
If anyone knows any more about this fine actor – or his life – please let us know.
Ralph Truman had been a Radio actor from around 1925 with the BBC and much later got into films. He first came to real prominence when Director Byron Haskin cast him as George Merry – one of the Pirates in the 1950 Walt Disney version of ‘Treasure Island’
He was told to go out there and give Robert Newton a ‘run for his money’ in the acting stakes – and seeing that Robert Newton would play Long John Silver in a brilliant almost pantomime ‘over the top’ way it was claimed that at times Ralph Truman as George Merry virtually ‘out-hammed’ him.
Nevertheless Robert Newton’s portrayal was just what was needed – and it was a brilliant portrayal – that lingers in the memory – and has become a yardstick for actors when taking on any pirate role to this day.
Robert Newton’s performance here was one of the most memorable in screen history.
I have done a post a few weeks ago on the Radio actress and former Mrs Dale star Ellis Powell who was married to Ralph Truman.
She died in 1963 – not very long after she was replaced as Mrs Dale by the BBC.
It would appear that Ralph Truman married again to Maria Vittoria or Mimi as she was known. They both died in the the Ipswich area – and I have a feeling may have lived around Bungay in Suffolk
Birthday: May 7, 1900
His full name was : Ralph du Vergier Truman 1900 -1977
Ralph’s second wife was Maria “Mimi” Vittoria H Truman (born Cooper).
Maria was born on November 13 1918, in Brentford, Middlesex, England. She died on July 1st 2004 aged 85 see the Announcement below :-
Maria Vittoria Hayes (Mimi), widow of Ralph du Vergier Truman. Peacefully on July 1st at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, aged 85. Requiem Mass at St. Edmunds Catholic Church, Bungay at 12 noon on Thursday, 15th July. Private cremation at St Faith’s followed by a Memorial Service at Metfield Parish Church where all are welcome at 3 p.m. on Friday 16th July.
Ralph married his first wife Ellis Agnes Estelle Truman (born Powell). She was Ellis Powell – another actress with the BBC over a long period eventually finding fame as Mrs Dale of Mrs Dales Diary. She died in 1963.
I imagine Ralph met Ellis from their work with the BBC Radio Drama department
Ralph Truman was born in North Finchley. His parents were John William Truman, a surveyor, and Adele Duvergier Tabernacle.
He had four siblings, Beatrice (b.1891), Frances (b.1893), George (b.1895) brother Guy William Truman was born on the 28th May 1896
His brother Guy William Truman was born on the 28th May 1896
Guy was educated privately at St Lawrence College, Ramsgate and Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood. Almost immediately after matriculating as a law student, he joined the Rifle Brigade in September 1914 and went to France on 24th January 1915. He died in the Northern Central hospital in Leeds on 13th May 1915 from wounds received during the 2nd battle of Ypres.
So Ralph Truman lost his brother in the first war – many families lost loved ones during that terrible conflict – and the sadness and grief for Mother and Father and his brothers is difficult to imagine.
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