Michael Williams

Michael Leonard Williams (July 9, 1935 – January 11, 2001) was a well-loved British actor. Although best known as the husband of Dame Judi Dench, Williams had a distinguished career of his own, as both a classical and a comedy actor.

Related Topics:
July 9 - 1935 - January 11 - 2001 - Actor - Judi Dench

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Born into an Irish Catholic family in Liverpool, he worked as an insurance assessor before going into the theatre as a career. His first film appearance was in 1962, and he subsequently appeared frequently on television (notably in Elizabeth R), and in British films such as Educating Rita (1983) and Henry V (1989). His many radio roles included crime reporter George Cragge in In the Red and its sequels, and Dr Watson in the BBC's complete run of Sherlock Holmes adaptations.

Related Topics:
Irish Catholic - Liverpool - 1962 - Elizabeth R - Educating Rita - Henry V - In the Red - Sherlock Holmes

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He married Judi Dench in 1971, and they had one daughter, Tara Cressida Williams (known as "Finty Williams"), who is also an actor. Michael chaired the British Catholic Stage Guild for a number of years before he was incapacitated by illness.

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Although Michael was a Roman Catholic and Judi is a Quaker, theirs was one of the most successful showbiz marriages, and they worked together on several series of the sitcom, A Fine Romance, from 1981 onwards.

Related Topics:
Sitcom - A Fine Romance

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Shortly before his death from lung cancer at the age of 65, Michael Williams was awarded a Knighthood of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II, which he treasured.

Related Topics:
Lung cancer - Knighthood of St. Gregory - Pope John Paul II

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