British actor George Baker became a familiar face to television audiences through his portrayal of DCI Reg Wexford in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, one of the most recognizable detective dramas of the late 20th century. While Baker enjoyed a long and celebrated acting career, his eldest daughter, Candida Baker, forged her own path to success on the other side of the world.
Best known for starring as the thoughtful and determined detective at the center of The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Baker appeared in the series from 1987 until 2000. The show, adapted from the crime novels of author Ruth Rendell, followed Wexford as he investigated complex murder cases while navigating challenges in his personal life.
Before becoming synonymous with the detective role, Baker earned acclaim for portraying Tiberius in the television adaptation of I, Claudius. His extensive screen career also included appearances in productions such as The Dam Busters, Curse of the Fly, and Robin of Sherwood. He additionally featured in two James Bond films, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and The Spy Who Loved Me.
Baker died in October 2011 at the age of 80. He was survived by five children from his two marriages.
Candida Baker’s Life and Career
Although born in the United Kingdom, Candida Baker established her career in Australia after relocating there in 1977. The move followed her involvement as an understudy during a Royal Shakespeare Company tour
Over the years, she built a strong reputation in journalism, contributing to major Australian publications including The Age, Time Australia, Good Weekend, and The Sydney Morning Herald. Alongside her journalism work, she developed a successful career as an author.
Her bibliography includes titles such as The Powerful Owl and The Hidden. In 2025, she published Light and Shadow, a novel inspired by the life of pioneering photographer Eadweard Muybridge. She is also preparing a poetry anthology scheduled for release in 2026. In addition, she has written several children’s books, including The Little Angels Counting Book, I Know That, and Belinda the Ninja Ballerina.
Passion for Horses
Writing is only one aspect of Candida Baker’s professional life. She is also deeply involved with horses, working as an equine therapist and horse trainer while managing a small rescue charity.
Her interest in horses reflects a long-standing family connection. The tradition stretches back generations, with her great-grandfather known for breeding Cleveland Bay horses in Yorkshire.
Family Life
Candida spent 25 years in a relationship with Australian journalist and novelist Robert Drewe. Together they had two children.
Their son, Sam Drewe, operates the fashion label Samson & Bronc and is also involved in breeding showjumping horses. Their daughter, Anna, has established a career in modeling and is now based in France after signing with a French agency.
A Lasting Family Legacy
Candida has often spoken about the close relationship she shared with her father during her childhood. She has credited him with encouraging her love of reading from an early age, a passion that eventually shaped her career as a writer.
The family’s creative legacy continues through another generation as Baker’s granddaughter, Kim Sherwood, has become a notable author in her own right. Sherwood has written several novels connected to the James Bond universe, including Double or Nothing, A Spy Like Me, and Hurricane Room, further extending the family’s connection to the iconic spy franchise.
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Source: Owink
