Almost 20 years fafter his death at the age of 67, tributes were paid to the star in a special ceremony.

Historian, writer and broadcaster, Professor Peter Stead, who specializes in the history of cinema, sports and theatre, spoke passionately about the contribution Mr Houston made to the British film industry from the late 1940s onwards.

As the handsome, fair-haired matinee idol, he had earned the respect and love of a legion of film fans for generations.

It was a poignant occasion as only a few days earlier Hollywood actress Jean Simmons, Donald Houston’s first female co-star in The Blue Lagoon, died at her Californian home.

Professor Stead recalled Houston's early days in the classic Ealing comedy A Run For Your Money with Sir Alec Guinness, through to his major successes in Where Eagles Dare and Doctor In The House which made him a household name.

He spoke of Houston’s close friendships with fellow Welsh stars Richard Burton and Sir Stanley Baker, his love of the Rhondda and how his classic good looks, warm spirit and openness endeared him to cinemagoers of all ages.

Donald Houston’s daughter Sian and granddaughter Michela joined his sister Jean Rees at the event which also welcomed members of various civic societies who had participated in the decision-making process for the Blue Plaque scheme.

A message was sent from his brother, fellow Welsh actor Glyn Houston, who was unable to attend due to ill health. Also present was BBC broadcaster and close friend, Dewi Griffiths.

Donald Houston was born in 10 Thomas Street, Tonypandy, in November 1923, the eldest of three children. Their father, Alex, was a professional footballer from Scotland and their mother, Elsie, from Tonypandy whose own mother ran a family milk round business.

It was their grandmother, “Mam� Jones, who cared for the three children after their mother died aged 29 and their father left Wales in search of work.

Following school, Mr Houston worked at the Glamorganshire Colliery, or “The Scotch� before attending an audition at Llwynypia Boys Club and gaining a position in a traveling theatre company called The Pilgrim Players.

It was the start of a 40-year acting career which saw his handsome film-star looks in a vast array of films including “633 Squadron�, “The Longest Day� and “The Sea Wolves�. He worked alongside the likes of Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck, David Niven, John Wayne, Dirk Bogarde and Clint Eastwood.