Donald Pleasence

Donald Pleasence (October 5, 1919 - February 2, 1995) was an English actor. His high work rate in international cinema earned him the distinction of being the most prolific film actor at the time of his death with over 500 screen credits. He was born in Worksop, Nottingham, England, the son of a stationmaster.

Related Topics:
October 5 - 1919 - February 2 - 1995 - English - Actor - Worksop - Nottingham - England

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Pleasence's acting career began in a 1939 production of Wuthering Heights, but was soon interrupted by his service in the Royal Air Force and a year in a German prisoner-of-war camp. He had been a conscientious objector at first, but later joined the Royal Air Force. He was shot down and taken prisoner and tortured by his captors.

Related Topics:
1939 - Wuthering Heights - Royal Air Force - German - Prisoner-of-war - Conscientious objector

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He returned to acting after the war, and critics began to call him the "Man with the Hypnotic Eye". Perhaps because of this, and his bald head and quiet-but-intense voice, he specialised in insane and evil characters, including Heinrich Himmler and the Bond villain Blofeld, but he may be best-known as Dr. Loomis in Halloween. His trademark voice may be credited to elocution lessons he had as a child.

Related Topics:
Heinrich Himmler - Halloween - Elocution

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Pleasence was married four times and is father to five daughters. Miriam Raymond and Pleasance produced two daughters, Angela and Jean in their 1941 to 1958 marriage. His 1959 to 1970 marriage to actress and singer Josephine Martin Crombie produced two daughters, Lucy and Polly. He was married to Meira Shore from 1970 to 1988 and they had one daughter, Miranda. His last marriage to Linda (maiden name unknown) lasted until his death in 1995.

Related Topics:
Angela - 1941 - 1958 - 1959 - 1970 - Josephine Martin Crombie - 1988 - 1995

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He died in St. Paul de Vence, France from complications from heart valve replacement surgery.

Related Topics:
St. Paul de Vence - France

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