The professional boxer and bit-part actor Ernie Rice was born John Tomasso on 17th November 1896 in Hull. Throughout the course of his boxing career he participated in 83 fights altogether, with 50 wins. In the wake of retiring from boxing Ernie went on to appearing in films in un-credited minor roles from the mid-1930's onward. Being a large muscular man with a rough face and a hulking build, he was often type-cast as vendors, villagers, or pub patrons.
With over 60 film and TV credits to his name, he appeared in many popular productions and should be well recognisable to discerning classic film and TV fans. For example he appeared in Ealing Studios’ Passport to Pimlico (1949) – his role was as the Keep Fit Man (pictured).
Other films that he appeared in include The Galloping Major (1949), The lavender Hill Mob (1951), Hell Below Zero (1953), The Colditz Story (1955), The Constant Husband (1955), Dunkirk (1958), Expresso Bongo (1959), Carry On Regardless (1961), This Sporting Life (1963), The Day of the Triffids (1963) Carry on Cabby and Carry on Jack (both 1963) and Casino Royale (1967).
He appeared in a small number of TV productions including various roles in Gideon’s Way (1964-1967) and The Saint (1963-1968)
He died in 1979.
With over 60 film and TV credits to his name, he appeared in many popular productions and should be well recognisable to discerning classic film and TV fans. For example he appeared in Ealing Studios’ Passport to Pimlico (1949) – his role was as the Keep Fit Man (pictured).
Other films that he appeared in include The Galloping Major (1949), The lavender Hill Mob (1951), Hell Below Zero (1953), The Colditz Story (1955), The Constant Husband (1955), Dunkirk (1958), Expresso Bongo (1959), Carry On Regardless (1961), This Sporting Life (1963), The Day of the Triffids (1963) Carry on Cabby and Carry on Jack (both 1963) and Casino Royale (1967).
He appeared in a small number of TV productions including various roles in Gideon’s Way (1964-1967) and The Saint (1963-1968)
He died in 1979.
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