Aneurin Bevan, Augustus John, Emlyn Williams and Stanley Baker are among those he had painted.

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The events at Rorke's Drift were also recounted in the 1964 film Zulu starring Michael Caine and Stanley Baker.

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Professor Stead also spoke about Houston's close friendships with fellow Welsh actors Richard Burton and Sir Stanley Baker, his love of the Rhondda and how his classic good looks, warm spirit and openness endeared him to cinema goers of all ages.

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