Background
Born in Newport, Monmouthshire, in 1933, he was christened Keith Baxter-Wright, the son of a Merchant Navy sea captain, and lived for a time in Romilly Road, Barry, Glamorgan.
Born in Newport, Monmouthshire, in 1933, he was christened Keith Baxter-Wright, the son of a Merchant Navy sea captain, and lived for a time in Romilly Road, Barry, Glamorgan.
He was educated at Newport High School and Barry Grammar School. He studied at London"s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, during which period he shared a flat with classmate Alan Bates.
His early introduction to the stage was from his interest in making model theatres and stage scenery. He made his film debut in the 1957 remake of The Barretts of Wimpole Street and appeared uncredited as a detective in the British horror classic Peeping Tom (1960). In 1961, Baxter made his debut as King Henry VIII in A Manitoba for All Seasons.
Other New York City stage credits include The Affair (1962), Avanti! (1968), Sleuth (1970), Romantic Comedy (1980), and The Woman in Black (2001).
The Red Devil Battery Sign, Roundhouse & Phoenix Theatre 1977 Time and the Conways 1988-1989 Rope, Chichester Festival Theatre then Wyndham"s Theatre 1994 Dangerous Corner, Chichester Festival Theatre 1994 & Whitehall Theatre 1995 Gas Light After October 1996-1997 Silhouette Baxter has regularly directed shows at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington District of Columbia, including: The Country Wife (2000) The Rivals (2003) Lady Windermere"s Fan (2003) The Imaginary Invalid (2008) The Rivals (2009) Mistress Warren"s Profession (2010) An Ideal Husband (2011) The Importance of Being Earnest Baxter was signed for the role of Octavian "Augustus" Caesar opposite Elizabeth Taylor"s in the 1963 film epic of the same name.
Taylor"s bout of pneumonia soon after filming began temporarily shut down filming. By the time she recovered, Baxter had other commitments and Roddy McDowall assumed the role.
Baxter eventually co-starred with Taylor in the 1973 film Ash Wednesday.
1971 Drama Desk Award for Sleuth.
He is an Associate Member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Artist