Earl was simply incomparable. So warm, so wise and so deliciously witty — Moira Stuart CBE

His story is an inspiration for generations to come – a poignant reminder of a man who broke barriers with grace and dignity — Omid Djalili

Earl Cameron had a long and remarkable acting career, breaking the colour bar on stage, in film and on television. In his debut leading role in Pool of London (1951), he played a Black worker in a relationship with a young White woman – the first time the subject had been sensitively depicted in British film. From Thunderball, Doctor Who and The Prisoner to The Interpreter, The Queen and Inception in the 21st century, Earl's charm, humility and moral authority were seared into the memory of his legions of fans.

In this insightful memoir, Earl recounts his escape from the racial prejudice of his childhood Bermuda to cross oceans as a merchant seaman. He recalls labouring in steamy kitchens in war-torn London before landing his lucky break into acting. Incensed by witnessing racism, religious prejudice and economic injustice on his travels and in his profession, Earl's quest for answers takes him into Roman Catholic churches in Italy and Buddhist temples in Thailand, only to find the answers he seeks in the Bahá'í Faith, practically on his own doorstep.

Dictated shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 102, this is Earl Cameron's parting gift: the story of the century-long journey of a much-loved, pioneering actor, as only he could tell it.