Biography
John Dair (3 March 1933 – 25 November 2005) was a Scottish actor. Born in Dundee, he lived in London for many years. He worked as a crane and bulldozer driver on building sites before becoming a singer.
Dair was best known for playing Harry Grout’s bodyguard Crusher in the BBC sitcom Porridge (1974–1977) and the 1979 film (as Samson), and as Charlie Dawson in the 1996 drama series Our Friends in the North. His film roles included Vinnie Ricorso in Batman (1989), Big John in Yellowbeard (1983), and Derek in Hear My Song (1991). He also appeared in Loch Ness (1996) and Jack the Ripper (1988).
He featured in music videos for Frankie Goes to Hollywood and in a 1985 Levi’s jeans advertisement. Dair died of lung cancer in London.
