Stuart Phillip Mallinson, the late father of actor Andy Mallinson, was born on 11 July 1949 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England.

He began his career as a character actor in British repertory theatre, performing under the stage name Stuart Phillips. He honed his craft under the direction of Nita Valerie, founder of the Huddersfield Repertory Company. Valerie later went on to star in the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street.

The company also helped launch several other successful careers, including those of Roy Barraclough (Coronation Street) and Edward Brayshaw (Rentaghost). In the late 1960s, Stuart left acting to pursue a successful career in car sales. 

 

In 1970, now living in London, Stuart met the singer Susan Colledge, having an interest in the arts must have secured their relationship as two years later the pair were married. ​

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