Timothy West

Timothy West (born October 20, 1934) is a British film, stage and television actor. He was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, and is married to the actress Prunella Scales. They are prominent supporters of the British Labour Party.

Related Topics:
October 20 - 1934 - Actor - Bradford - Yorkshire - Prunella Scales - British Labour Party

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West's craggy looks ensured a career as a character actor rather than a leading man. He began his career as an Assistant Stage Manager at the Wimbledon theatre in 1956, and followed this with several seasons of repertory theatre. He acted at the Piccadilly theatre in 1959 and was with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 at Stratford and the Aldwych theatre. He was Artistic Director of the Forum Theatre, Billingham from 1980-81 and was appointed Director-in-Residence at the University of Western Australia in 1982.

Related Topics:
Wimbledon - University of Western Australia

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Having spent years as a familiar face who never quite became a household name, his big chance came with the major television series, Edward the Seventh (1975), in which he played the title role and his real-life sons played the sons of King Edward VII as children. Other major roles have included parts in the films, The Thirty-Nine Steps (1978) and Cry Freedom (1987). In 1997, he played Gloucester in the BBC television production of King Lear.

Related Topics:
Edward the Seventh - 1975 - Edward VII - The Thirty-Nine Steps - 1978 - Cry Freedom - 1987 - 1997 - King Lear

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In 2001, West played the older Maurice in Iris, while his actor son, Samuel West, played young Maurice.

Related Topics:
2001 - Iris - Samuel West

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In 2004, he toured Australia with the Carl Rosa Company as Director of the production of HMS Pinafore, also singing the role of Sir Joseph Porter. He was replaced in the singing role by Dennis Olsen for the Perth performances.

Related Topics:
Australia - HMS Pinafore - Dennis Olsen - Perth

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He is president of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and a supporter of the charity Cancer Research UK.

Related Topics:
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art - Cancer Research UK

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