Actor. Writer. Director. Knight. A few in the entertainment industry can claim the first three … but rare is it when all four monikers apply to one man. Such is the case of a young Sri Lankan boy named Albert Moses - who was blessed with a teacher for a mother, as well as the ability to dream.
Probably best known to British television viewers as Ranjeet Singh the Sikh in the Britcom “Mind Your Language,” veteran character actor Albert Moses grew up singing in church choirs and dancing for whoever would watch. After a short stint as a DJ as a young man, however, entertainment was something a young Moses felt there couldn’t be a whole lot of a future in, so instead he contemplated a career in law. But by then it was too late; the plays his mother put on in her school as a teacher gave Albert the acting bug, and there was no turning back.
His first role, that of “3rd Pakistani” in the British TV series “Budgie” in 1971 gave the 33-year-old Moses his first chance; a role that, as Albert puts it, “taught me how to fit into difficult locations.” From there small roles in television and film kept him going until he landed a bigger supporting part in 1975’s The Man Who Would Be King, starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine. It was here that Moses got to work with not one … not two … but three Hollywood legends, for the director of this brilliant film was none other than Hollywood great John Huston, whom Moses himself refers to as “one of the greatest of Hollywood directors … his art of direction being he just sits on his chair, smoking his trademark cigar, and watches us get on with the acting. If he doesn’t like anything he just says, ‘Good, very good, let us do another one this way” and tells us what he is looking for. It works wonders. After the shoot he joins the artists for a drink and a chat.”
But it would be two years later, in 1977, when a role would come along in the impressive actor’s life that would bring him international fame and a whole lot of fun – his costarring role in “Mind Your Language.”
“My breakout role was playing Ranjeet Singh the Sikh,” Moses recalls. “Requests for my autographs came from all over the world … my popularity in the series and instant recognition helped me get parts in the Bond films (1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, in which he played a barman, and 1983’s Octopussy, where he portrayed Sadruddin) and from then it took off. M first role in the UK was at the National Theatre in the play ‘Phaedra Britannica’ with Dame Diana Rigg.”
Moses also credits Ranjeet as being his favorite role: “(‘Mind Your Language’) had a viewing figure of 16.7 million in England and was sold to 32 countries. There were 42 episodes and I produced the last 13 … as well as continuing playing the role. It was this comedy which lifted my profile.”
Not bad for a kid who only liked to sing and dance for whoever would let him! But Moses wasn’t through yet; now with both acting and producing credits under his belt, he began to work as much behind the camera as in front of it, producing or directing or acting in projects in India, Africa, all over the world. Though he loves both equally, Moses confesses to “an added pleasure in working behind the camera, because you are creating something from your ideas and have the opportunity to shoot what you like and feel.”
Normally cast as any race from Mexican to Pakistani, Turkish to Arab Sheikh, for Albert the acting roles still came; in fact, when asked about the racial issues that existed in the industry in that day compared to now, he simply states, “In my younger days we never had a race issue. Now it is a kind of disease. As far as I am concerned I don’t care what caste, color, or creed people are … I was lucky enough to play all types of characters because of my looks and my color and am very happy about it.”
He was also lucky enough, in 1987, to land the role of Inspector Gopal in “Queenie,” in which he worked with another Hollywood legend who would become a lifelong friend:
“The real gem to work with was Kirk Douglas, who is indeed a Hollywood legend … this honor goes to him because he is such a gentleman and a great professional. He enjoys his work and treats everyone well. We had a wonderful time in India … we are still in touch.”
As an obvious fan of some of the greats Moses has worked with, it’s no real surprise, when asked how he feels about autograph collectors, when Albert replies, “I was also an autograph collector when I was young, and can understand the desire for fans to do so. If not for the fans and their support in wanting to see your performances, actors are nothing. The fans make them, so I am very happy and feel honored when I get a request for an autograph – and am ready to sign and post so as not to disappoint my fans.”
He does like his fans to also know, however, that he does support children’s charities – a love that you can trace back decades to his childhood in Sri Lanka. “I run a film workshop for children who have behavioral problems … a film club showing free films to children. I write children’s books and distribute them free to schools and libraries and also read them in schools … I am also a governor of a local infant school. Children are my world,” he adds, saying, “I got this love of children because my mother was a teacher and our house was always invaded by dozens of children from her school. We had such fun … I cherish that memory.”
And recently, this love of children - and his tireless efforts to aid them - brought Albert Moses the attention of the Russian Royalty, who made him a Knight of the Order of St. John. And when asked about this high honor bestowed upon him, in typically modest style Albert gives credit to the honor, not the man:
“When someone wants help, it is very common for people to say, ‘Don’t worry, a Knight in Shining Armour will come and rescue you.’ Because knights are supposed to help people.”
Right back at you, Mr. Moses. You’ve helped us to be entertained, enlightened, and engaged by your humble spirit – caught always on screen, in your words, and in your work.
You can reach Albert Moses at albertmoses@ntlworld.com, and please sign the guestbook at his site: www.albertmoses.com. In Albert's own words: "I always honor all requests."
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