MAY 15, 1925 - OCTOBER 27, 2008
A family has paid tribute to the man who set up one of Britain's first gyms where both black and white people could train.
Roy Stewart, 83, who in 1954 founded Roy Stewart's Gym in Powis Square, North Kensington, died following a battle with heart disease.
Originally from Jamaica, the prolific Mr Stewart was also an actor who appeared in films such as Live and Let Die and the Carry On series, and the first advert to feature a black actor, for the washing powder Surf.
Until he died, he ran a Caribbean restaurant The Globe, in Talbot Road, Bayswater.
His niece Barbara Stewart said: "At Notting Hill Carnival time, the floats used to pass by in front of the restaurant and he would give out food to the dancers.
"He was such a great man, and we even talked about him dying when he became ill. I told him it's a shame he wouldn't be here but he will always be here with the family in spirit."
Mr Stewart started life as a stunt man for films, and was given lots of work because there were very few black actors at the time.
Ms Stewart added: "When he first saw himself on screen, he was horrified that he looked so skinny so he decided to do something about it. You could say that as he built up his career, he also built himself up physically. He set up the gym to build up his muscles, and he was given more acting roles as a result."
His great-niece Sidel Stewart said he would be missed by all the family. She said: "He was quite a flamboyant character, but very proud of all his achievements in his work.
The Stewart family will be holding a funeral service at Golders Green crematorium at 2pm tomorrow, followed by a celebration of his life at Yaa Asantewaa, in Chippenham Mews, North Paddington. Anyone is welcome to attend, or send flowers to Leverton and Son, 624 Finchley Road, Golders Green by 11am tomorrow.
