Born John Theobald Clarke in Stratford, London, England; trained at RADA, London. Began his career as an actor, formed the Beaver Films production company with Richard Attenborough in 1959, and proved himself as a director in the 1960s with sensitive studies of everyday life such as WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND (1961) and THE L-SHAPED ROOM (1963). In 1969 Forbes was appointed head of production at London's Elstree Studios, but resigned the post after two years in order to concentrate on writing (he went on to produce several bestselling novels). First wife (1951-55) was actress Constance Smith. Present wife (from 1955) Nanette Newman has appeared in many of his films. Appointed a CBE (Commander of the order of the British Empire) for services to the Arts in the Queen's birthday honours list of June 2004. Visit the Internet Movie Database to view Forbes' acting, writing and directing credits.  Nominated for Writing (Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) 1960: THE ANGRY SILENCE (w. Richard Gregson & Michael Craig) 1 nomination