He served for two years in the Navy and then moved to South Africa where he tried chicken farming and gold mining before going into theatre.

He went to Germany with a stage show then on the way back went through France where his ability speaking fluent French helped him be cast as Slim Callaghan in Your Turn, Callaghan (1955) after the original star cast, Charles Chaplin Jnr, pulled out.

He guest starred on shows like Paris Precinct, Colonel March of Scotland Yard and Sherlock Holmes.

This led to a long-term contract with Rank started with two Roy Ward Baker films Jacqueline (1956) and Tiger in the Smoke (1956).

"[9] Roy Ward Baker, who directed both films, says John Davis forced him to use Wright in Tiger in the Smoke.

When he married Janet Munro, Rank's head of production Earl St John gave her away.

[14] He returned to hospital a few days later, also ill, but again recovered..[15][12] Wright had a support part in Broth of a Boy (1959), The Rough and the Smooth, And the Same to You, Attempt to Kill and Faces in the Dark.

[16] In 1965 he appeared in The Saint (S4,E3:episode entitled "The Crooked Ring") as champion boxer Steve Nelson, due to fight a cheating character 'The Angel'.