Ian McDiarmid

Ian McDiarmid (born August 11, 1944) is a Scottish actor born in Carnoustie in Tayside. He was educated at St Andrews University and the Royal Scottish Academy in Glasgow.

Theatrical Work

From 1990 until 2001, he and Jonathan Kent served as the artistic directors of the Almeida Theater, located in the Islington district of London.

Related Topics:
1990 - 2001 - Jonathan Kent - Almeida Theater - Islington - London

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One theatrical performance of note is his portrayal of the lead character Harry Hackamore in Sam Shepard's play Seduced. By McDiarmid's own description, Hackamore was a Howard Hughes-type character. To play the part, he was made-up in prosthetics, including a false beard and long fingernails, to resemble Hughes. McDiarmid was only 37 at the time, and this convinced George Lucas and Richard Marquand that he could convincingly play a much older character in extreme cinematic close-up, which helped him land the role of Palpatine.

Related Topics:
Sam Shepard - Howard Hughes - George Lucas - Richard Marquand - Palpatine

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