John Ashley Saunders

Age is just a number

Ashley Alexander, Director, Writer, Actor, brings to the entertainment industry many years of experience and acting in film production. A native of London England ashley became a well-known personality there from his work and television and commercial appearances as a child actor. Mr. Alexander has had several name changes including George A Saunders, John Hamilton and John Ashley Hamilton.

Mr. Alexander has a strong theater background and has had appeared at the London West End Theatre and was a member of the prestigious Royal National Theatre of Great Britain. Some of his television appearances in London included guests starring roles on "The Saint" and "Secret Agent man". In addition, Mr. Alexander was a regular character on "What's It All About?" as playing parts in many BBC television plays.

Ashley came to Hollywood where he met the producers of the much love television series "Room 222" and was written in the show playing the English exchange student, Marshall Leads. Soon after Mr. Alexander moved to New York City, where he worked on numerous commercials.

Ashley caught the directing bug and took a time out from acting to study film directing he trained on several films and several television productions and worked as Assistant Director on Dolomite The Movie, before directing his first film, a short entitled "I Met Susan"

Although Ashley is seen in front of the camera in television commercials and episodic shows his main focus is on directing films, Ashley combines his film and television work with a strong emphasis on self growth and the belief that this will underscore his efforts to become a major film maker.

When Ashley is not working in front of or behind the camera, he spends time riding horses in horse shows across the country in The Hunter Jumper Division, not to mention that he is also an accomplished tennis and golf player.

Since directing, "I Met Susan" Ashley directed a pilot made for television entitled "What's Bothering You". He also worked on episodes of"Tarzan the series"

Ashley took a break from the entertainment business. He is now back and ready to work. He has written several TV and film scripts, including"Lost in the Maze" Ashley believes "Lost in the Maze'' will be a gigantic hit when it comes to the big screen.

Ashley feels that any work in the movie industry, either in front of or behind the camera, enhances his directing skill. Mr. Alexander's favorite quote is " You never fail until you stop trying." He also tells people in his life that "He cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought."

• Hamilton's voice was very well known as a radio performer in England and Wales on BBC radio.

• He was the first black person to appear in an on camera Commercial that was seen all over England and Wales on British television and in movie theatres in May 1964. The Commercial was for Tia Maria.

• He was the first black person to appear in an American television show playing the part of a black person born in London, England and speaking the Queen's English. The show was Room 222 playing the part of Marshall Leads in 1972.

Quotes: " You never fail until you stop trying"