Personal Info
Birth date
1929-04-14 (96 Years)
Day of death
2012-12-26
Gender
Male
Known for
Creator
Place of birth
West Hampstead, London, England, UK
Also known as
-Gerry Anderson
Biography
Gerry Anderson, MBE (born Gerald Alexander Abrahams; 14 April 1929 – 26 December 2012) was an English television and film producer, director, writer and occasional voice artist. He was known for his futuristic television programmes, especially his 1960s productions filmed with "Supermarionation" (marionette puppets containing electric moving parts). Anderson's first television production was the 1957 Roberta Leigh children's series The Adventures of Twizzle. Supercar (1961–62) and Fireball XL5 (1962) followed later, both series breaking into the US television market in the early 1960s. In the mid-1960s Anderson produced his most successful series, Thunderbirds. Other television productions of the 1960s include Stingray and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Anderson also wrote and produced several feature films whose box office performance was unexceptional. Following a shift towards live action productions in the 1970s, he had a long and successful association with media impresario Lew Grade and Grade's company ITC, continuing until the second series of Space: 1999. After a career lull when a number of new series concepts failed to get off the ground, his career began a new phase in the early 1980s when audience nostalgia for his earlier Supermarionation series (prompted by Saturday morning re-runs in Britain and Australia) led to new Anderson productions being commissioned. Later projects include a 2005 CGI remake of Captain Scarlet entitled Gerry Anderson's New Captain Scarlet.
Filmography
V.I.P.
5.3
Overview:
While attending a Hollywood premiere with a famous action star, a crazed fan pulls a gun—but her movie hunk turns into a coward, and it's Vallery who becomes the hero. Suddenly, she's thrown into a world of action and danger as owner of a Hollywood protection agency, Vallery Irons Protection (V.I.P.), taking risks to protect others at a price few are willing to pay.Space: 1999
7.1
Overview:
The crew of Moonbase Alpha must struggle to survive when a massive explosion throws the Moon from orbit into deep space.UFO
7.7
Overview:
A secret, high-technology international agency called SHADO defends Earth from alien invaders.Thunderbirds
7.526
Overview:
Thunderbirds is a 1960s British science-fiction television series which was produced using a mixed method of marionette puppetry and scale-model special effects termed "Supermarionation". The series is set in the 21st century and follows the exploits of International Rescue, a secret organization formed to save people in mortal danger with the help of technologically advanced land, sea, air and space vehicles and equipment, launched from a hidden base on Tracy Island in the South Pacific Ocean.The Protectors
5.6
Overview:
The Protectors is a British television series, an action thriller created by Gerry Anderson. It was Anderson's second TV series using live actors as opposed to electronic marionettes, and also his second to be firmly set in contemporary times. It was also the only Gerry Anderson produced television series that was not of the fantasy or science fiction genres. It was produced by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment production company. Despite not featuring marionettes or any real science fiction elements, The Protectors became one of Anderson's most popular productions, easily winning a renewal for a second season. A third season was in the planning stages when the show's major sponsor pulled out, forcing its cancellation. The Protectors first aired in 1972 and 1973, and ran to 52 episodes over two series, each 25 minutes long - making it one of the last series of this type to be produced in a half-hour format. It starred Robert Vaughn as Harry Rule, Nyree Dawn Porter as the Contessa Caroline di Contini, and Tony Anholt as Paul Buchet. Episodes often featured prominent guest actors.Thunderbirds Are Go!
6.2
Overview:
Remake of the hit 1960s television show. In the 21st century, Jeff Tracy, a former astronaut, amasses a colossal fortune and decides that he must use it to benefit others. His answer to this desire is to create International Rescue, a unique private emergency response service equipped with customized designed vehicles and equipment that enable the organization to react to any crisis whether it be in sea, air, land, or space. Jeff's five sons volunteer to operate as the pilots and field agents, as well "Brain" who acts as the teams engineer. In addition, Jeff's friend, Kyrano and his daughter Tanusha aka Kayo (based on the original series Tin-Tin character) agree to be the support staff. In addition to the field team, IR also maintains an intelligence network with Lady Penelope and her ex-con chauffeur, Parker as the chief agents in this arm.Space Precinct
5.9
Overview:
Space Precinct is a British television series that aired from 1994 to 1995 on Sky One and later on BBC Two in Britain, and in first-run syndication in the US. Many US stations scheduled the show in late night time slots, which resulted in low ratings and ensured cancellation. The series was created by Gerry Anderson and was a mix of science fiction and police procedural that combined elements of many of Anderson's previous series such as Space: 1999, UFO and Thunderbirds, but with an added dash of Law & Order and Dragnet. Gerry Anderson was Executive Producer along with Tom Gutteridge. One of the series' directors was John Glen who had previously helmed various James Bond movies.Moonraker
6.181
Overview:
After Drax Industries' Moonraker space shuttle is hijacked, secret agent James Bond is assigned to investigate, traveling to California to meet the company's owner, the mysterious Hugo Drax. With the help of scientist Dr. Holly Goodhead, Bond soon uncovers Drax's nefarious plans for humanity, all the while fending off an old nemesis, Jaws, and venturing to Venice, Rio, the Amazon...and even outer space.Thunderbird 6
5.8
Overview:
The International Rescue team is faced with one of its toughest challenges yet, as the revolutionary lighter-than-air craft Skyship One is hijacked while on her maiden voyage around the world. Against backdrops including the Statue of Liberty and the Sphinx, Lady Penelope, Parker, Alan and Tin-Tin fight the hijackers from on-board, while the rest of the team tries to stop the airship crashing.Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons
7.286
Overview:
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, often referred to as Captain Scarlet, is a 1960s British science-fiction television series produced by the Century 21 Productions company of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, John Read and Reg Hill. First broadcast on ATV Midlands from September 1967 to May 1968, it has since been transmitted in more than 40 other countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Characters are presented as marionette puppets alongside scale model sets and special effects in a filming technique that the Andersons termed "Supermarionation". This technology incorporated solenoid motors as a means of synchronising the puppet's lip movements with pre-recorded dialogue. Set in 2068, Captain Scarlet presents the hostilities between Earth and a race of Martians known as the Mysterons. After human astronauts attack their city on Mars, the vengeful Mysterons declare war on Earth, initiating a series of reprisals that are countered by Spectrum, a worldwide security organisation. Spectrum boasts the extraordinary abilities of its primary agent, Captain Scarlet. During the events of the pilot episode, Scarlet acquires the Mysteron healing power of "retro-metabolism" and is thereafter considered to be virtually "indestructible", being able to recover fully from injuries that would normally be fatal.Revenge of the Mysterons from Mars
1
Overview:
A compilation of four episodes from the Supermarionation series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Captain Scarlet and the members of Spectrum battle the Mysterons from Mars who are trying to establish a base on the moon.Space Police
4
Overview:
A New York cop is put in charge of a space police precinct and charged with the duty of protecting alien worlds from the evils of organized crime.Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill - Trapped in the Sky / Terror in New York City
10
Overview:
Celebrating Thunderbirds 60th anniversary, this cinematic double-bill brings two of Thunderbirds’ best-loved adventures into an electrifying big screen experience – Trapped in the Sky and Terror in New York City, presented for the first time fully restored in 4K with a brand-new Dolby 5.1 surround mix. Trapped in the Sky - A criminal known only as the Hood places a bomb in the landing gear of a new supersonic airliner, Fireflash, hoping to draw out a newly created, privately funded emergency response team called International Rescue. Terror in New York City - After Thunderbird 2 is heavily damaged in a mistaken attack, it leaves the team seemingly without a swift means to transport any rescue gear to New York City to save a news crew trapped underneath the collapsed Empire State Building.The Incredible Voyage of Stingray
6
Overview:
Adventures of the super-sub Stingray and the World Aquanaut Security Patrol and their battles against Titan, leader of the underwater city of Titanica.Journey Through the Black Sun
6.2
Overview:
"Journey Through the Black Sun" (1982) made by ITC New York combined the first season episodes "Collision Course" and "Black Sun" from the TV series "Space: 1999".Prisoners in Space
NYR
Overview:
A desperate call for help as the residents of Moonbase Alpha are hurled into an interplanetary power struggle. As tensions rise, disaster strikes when a routine mission becomes a nightmare...Invaders from the Deep
4.4
Overview:
A compilation of four episodes from the Supermarionation series Stingray. When aquatic aliens plot to take over the planet, the world aquanaut security patrol are called in to battle the aliens.Joe 90
7.1
Overview:
Joe 90 is a 1960s British science-fiction television series following the adventures of a nine-year-old child, Joe McClaine, who starts a double life as a schoolboy-turned-spy when his scientist father invents a device capable of duplicating and transferring expert knowledge and experience from one human brain to another. Equipped with the skills of the foremost academic and military minds, Joe is recruited by the World Intelligence Network and, becoming its "Most Special Agent", pursues the ideal of world peace and saving human life.Invasion: UFO
5.8
Overview:
The Earth is threatened by an alien race who kidnap and kill humans and even animals and use them for their body parts. In the year 1980 S.H.A.D.O. (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization), a highly secret military organization, is set up in the hope of defending the Earth from this alien threat. This organization operates from a secret location beneath the Harlington-Straker film studio in London. S.H.A.D.O. also has a base on the moon with Interceptors as well as an early warning satellite that detects inbound UFOs (called S.I.D.), and operate a fleet of submarines. General James Henderson and commander Ed Straker have a team of highly trained and well equipped females and males to battle the regularly incoming hostile UFOs.Fireball XL5
6.1
Overview:
Fireball XL5 is a science fiction-themed children's television show following the missions of spaceship Fireball XL5, commanded by Colonel Steve Zodiac of the World Space Patrol. The show was produced in 1962 by husband and wife team Gerry and Sylvia Anderson through their company APF, in association with ATV for ITC Entertainment. While developing his new show, Anderson thought a brand of motor oil—Castrol XL—had an interesting sound. A phonetic change created the name "Fireball XL", with the "-5" added as the title seemed a bit flat without the numeral. The show featured the Andersons' Supermarionation, a form of puppetry first introduced in Four Feather Falls and Supercar and used again in their subsequent productions such as Stingray and Captain Scarlet. Thirty-nine black and white half-hour episodes of Fireball XL5 were made on 35mm film: all future Anderson series were produced in colour. Several Anderson series have been shown in syndication in the US, but Fireball XL5 is the only Anderson series to have run on a US network. NBC ran the series in its Saturday morning children's block from 1963 through to September 1965. A similar programme often confused with Fireball XL5 is Space Patrol, produced by Gerry Anderson's ex business partner and co-founder of AP Films, Arthur Provis due to a number of similarities and settings.Thunderbirds
5
Overview:
Dangerous missions are the bread and butter of the Thunderbirds, a high-tech secret force employed by the government. Led by Jeff Tracy (Bill Paxton), the Thunderbirds are at the top of their game, but their nemesis, The Hood (Ben Kingsley), has landed on their island and is attempting a coup by using the team's rescue vehicles. He'll soon discover that the Thunderbirds won't go down.Thunderbirds 2086: Cloudburst & Nightmare
NYR
Overview:
In the 21st century Mankind will have pushed back the frontiers of science in a way we can scarcely conceive of today. Space exploration, energy development and biological as well as environmental sciences will enable the earth to progress beyond our wildest dreams. Alongside such far-reaching changes will come new and unsuspected hazards. One organization will be ready, International Rescue with its fleet of Thunderbirds. Join the crew of these fantastic crafts on ARCOLOGY, a vast city complex in the Pacific, where they are ready to face any danger, no matter how desperate.Space: 1999
7.4
Overview:
A moonbase crew fights for survival in the aftermath of a massive explosion that shifts the moon from its orbit into space.Thunderbirds in Outer Space
NYR
Overview:
Calling International Resuce… a runaway rocket carrying three astronauts is heading for a collision course with the Sun… Impact imminent!Supercar
6.6
Overview:
Follows the adventures of Mike Mercury and the test crew at Black Rock Laboratory in the Nevada Desert in 1962, as they test out Supercar, a prototype vehicle capable of traveling on land, can dive underwater, and can fly through the air.Filmed in Supermarionation
7.3
Overview:
The definitive documentary about the iconic television series developed by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and their production companies (AP Films and Century 21 Pictures). Supermarionation was a revolutionary technique used in all their programmes throughout the 1960s including Stingray, Captain Scarlet and, most famously, Thunderbirds.Alien Attack
6.2
Overview:
Earth's Moon is the site of Moonbase Alpha, a scientific research colony nestled in the crater Plato. Staffed by over 300 men and women from Earth, it is the operations center for several space expeditions. It is also a watchdog for vast amounts of atomic waste from Earth stored in silos on the Moon's far side. Magnetic radiation builds up and causes the wastes to explode with such force that the Earth's centripetal pull on the Moon is overcome, and the Moon is broken free of Earth's orbit to drift at incredible speed out of the Solar System off the plane of the ecliptic. The survivors on Moonbase Alpha are unable to return to Earth and must survive in unknown space on their wandering Moon. They encounter a planet whose advanced people project an illusion of a devastating attack on Moonbase. This TV movie was edited from scenes of two episodes ("Breakaway" and "War Games") of "Space: 1999" (1975).Doppelgänger
6.228
Overview:
A planet is discovered in the same orbit as Earth's but is located on the exact opposite side of the sun, making it not visible from Earth. The European Space Exploration Council decide to send American astronaut Glenn Ross and British scientist John Kane via spaceship to explore the other planet.The Investigator
NYR
Overview:
The Investigator, a benevolent alien from a distant galaxy, selects an Earth boy and girl, John and Julie, to assist him in his mission to make their world a better place. The pair are miniaturized to assist The Investigator more easily, and assigned to prevent the theft by Stavros Karanti of a 14th-century masterpiece from a church on the island of Malta. John and Julie are presented with a car and a boat, scaled to accommodate their miniaturized size and set out to thwart Karanti's plans...Acting
2022Presented in Supercolorisation (2, 1 Episode) as Robert the Robot (voice) (uncredited), Robert the Robot / Granatoid 1 (voice) (uncredited)
2022Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted as Self (archive footage)
2014This Is Supermarionation as Robert the Robot (voice, uncredited)
2014Filmed in Supermarionation as Self (archive footage)
2011Those Were the Days (2 Episodes) as Self - Broadcaster
1998V.I.P. (26 Episodes) as Relic
199330 Years in the TARDIS as Himself
1992Frank Sidebottom's Fantastic Shed Show (1 Episode) as Self
1962Fireball XL5 (39 Episodes) as Robert the Robot (voice) (uncredited)
Creator
TBARevenge of the Mysterons from Mars ... Creator
2022Presented in Supercolorisation ... Creator
2020Thunderbirds: The Anniversary Episodes ... Creator
2015Thunderbirds Are Go! ... Creator
2005Gerry Anderson's New Captain Scarlet ... Creator
2003FireStorm ... Creator
1999Lavender Castle ... Creator
1994Space Precinct ... Creator
1987Dick Spanner ... Creator
1983Terrahawks ... Creator
1975Space: 1999 ... Creator
1972The Protectors ... Creator
1970UFO ... Creator
1969The Secret Service ... Creator
1968Joe 90 ... Creator
1967Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons ... Creator
1965Thunderbirds ... Creator
1964Stingray ... Creator
1962Fireball XL5 ... Creator
1961Supercar ... Creator
1960Four Feather Falls ... Creator
Writing
2025Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill - Trapped in the Sky / Terror in New York City ... Writer
2022Presented in Supercolorisation (1 Episode) ... Writer
2018Gerry Anderson's Firestorm ... Idea
2016HD21 The Worlds of Gerry Anderson in High Definition ... Writer
2004Thunderbirds ... Original Story
1999Lavender Castle (18 Episodes) ... Writer
1986Thunderbirds 2086: Cloudburst & Nightmare ... Original Concept
1986Space Police ... Co-Writer
1985The Complete Thunderbirds ... Original Film Writer
1983Terrahawks: Expect the Unexpected ... Writer
1983Terrahawks (2 Episodes) ... Writer
1982Countdown to Disaster ... Original Concept
1981Revenge of the Mysterons from Mars ... Writer
1981The Amazing Adventures Of Joe 90 ... Writer
1980Thunderbirds to the Rescue ... Writer
1980Captain Scarlet vs. The Mysterons ... Writer
1980The Incredible Voyage of Stingray ... Writer
1979Moonraker ... Screenplay
1972UFO: Annihilate S.H.A.D.O. Kill Straker...Stop ... Characters
1970UFO (1 Episode) ... Writer
1969The Secret Service (1 Episode) ... Writer
1969Doppelgänger ... Screenplay, Story
1968Joe 90 (2 Episodes) ... Writer
1968Thunderbird 6 ... Writer
1967Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1 Episode) ... Writer
1966Thunderbirds Are GO ... Writer
1965Thunderbirds: Terror In New York City ... Writer
1965Thunderbirds: Pit of Peril ... Writer
1965Thunderbirds: Trapped in the Sky ... Writer
1965Thunderbirds (2 Episodes) ... Writer
1964Stingray (40 Episodes) ... Writer
1962Fireball XL5 (2 Episodes) ... Writer
1961Supercar (15 Episodes) ... Writer
1960Four Feather Falls (1 Episode) ... Writer
Crew
2025Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill - Trapped in the Sky / Terror in New York City ... Creator
2025Prisoners in Space ... Creator
2022Thunderbirds 55/GOGO ... Creator
1985The Complete Thunderbirds ... Creator
1981Invaders from the Deep ... Creator
1981The Amazing Adventures Of Joe 90 ... Creator
1980Thunderbirds to the Rescue ... Creator
1980The Incredible Voyage of Stingray ... Creator
1980Invasion: UFO ... Creator
1978Destination Moonbase-Alpha ... Creator
1973The Investigator ... Creator
1971UFO: Red alert... Attack on Earth! ... Creator
1971UFO: Destroy Luna Base! ... Creator
Production
2025Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill - Trapped in the Sky / Terror in New York City ... Producer
2025Prisoners in Space ... Executive Producer
2022Presented in Supercolorisation (6 Episodes) ... Producer
2005Gerry Anderson's New Captain Scarlet (26 Episodes) ... Producer
2003FireStorm (26 Episodes) ... Consulting Producer
1999Lavender Castle (26 Episodes) ... Producer
1994Space Precinct (24 Episodes) ... Producer
1987Dick Spanner (22 Episodes) ... Producer
1986Space Police ... Producer
1983Terrahawks: Expect the Unexpected ... Producer
1983Terrahawks (39 Episodes) ... Producer
1982Journey Through the Black Sun ... Executive Producer
1982Countdown to Disaster ... Executive Producer
1981Thunderbirds in Outer Space ... Executive Producer
1981Revenge of the Mysterons from Mars ... Executive Producer
1981Invaders from the Deep ... Executive Producer
1980Alien Attack ... Executive Producer
1980Thunderbirds to the Rescue ... Producer
1980The Incredible Voyage of Stingray ... Producer
1980Captain Scarlet vs. The Mysterons ... Executive Producer
1980Invasion: UFO ... Executive Producer
1978Destination Moonbase-Alpha ... Producer
1975Into Infinity ... Producer
1975Space: 1999 (48 Episodes) ... Producer
1975Space: 1999 ... Executive Producer
1973The Investigator ... Producer
1972The Protectors (52 Episodes) ... Producer
1972UFO: Annihilate S.H.A.D.O. Kill Straker...Stop ... Executive Producer
1971UFO: Red alert... Attack on Earth! ... Executive Producer
1970UFO (26, 26 Episode) ... Producer, Executive Producer
1969Doppelgänger ... Producer
1967Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (32 Episodes) ... Executive Producer
1965Thunderbirds (32 Episodes) ... Executive Producer
1964Stingray (40 Episodes) ... Producer
1962Fireball XL5 (39 Episodes) ... Producer
1960Crossroads to Crime ... Producer
1960Four Feather Falls (39 Episodes) ... Producer
Directing
2016HD21 The Worlds of Gerry Anderson in High Definition ... Director
1999Lavender Castle (3 Episodes) ... Director
1980Invasion: UFO ... Director
1974UFO: Radar contact... They're landing! ... Director
1973The Investigator ... Director
1972UFO: Take them Alive ... Director
1970UFO (1 Episode) ... Director
1962Fireball XL5 (1 Episode) ... Director
1961Supercar (1 Episode) ... Director
1960Crossroads to Crime ... Director
1960Four Feather Falls (1 Episode) ... Director
1960Torchy the Battery Boy (26 Episodes) ... Director
1957The Adventures of Twizzle (52 Episodes) ... Director
1955You've Never Seen This! ... Director
Sound
1955Abdullah's Harem ... Sound Editor
1954Devil Girl from Mars ... Sound Editor
1953South of Algiers ... Sound Editor
1953Appointment in London ... ADR & Dubbing