- He was the third choice for the part of Oliver Mellors in Lady Chatterley's Lover (1981). He was considerably less known as an actor compared to the two preferred choices, Oliver Reed and Ian McShane. His role in Excalibur (1981) around this same time however helped bolster his profile as an actor.
- Is probably best remembered as Sir Lancelot in John Boorman's 1981 King Arthur film Excalibur (1981).
- He is buried at Saint Peter's Churchyard in Sibton.
- Latterly taught drama at the Actors' Centre and at the Academy of Live and Performing Arts.
- John Boorman never refers to Clay by name on his commentary track for Excalibur (1981).
- Member of the National Theatre Company during the 1970's.
- A scene was deleted from Excalibur (1981) featuring him as Lancelot rescuing Guinevere (Cherie Lunghi) from a forest bandit. The scene appeared in the film's theatrical trailer.
- Daughters: Ella and Madge Clay.
- Trained for acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
- He was survived by his mother, Rose Clay.
- He loved the classics particularly Macbeth and King Lear.
- He would have liked to have worked with Robert de Niro.
- Spends some time each year studying and giving theatre workshop classes in Lennox, Massachusetts.
- He was considered for the role of Col. Colin Caine in Lifeforce (1985).
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