British actors died in 2003
Here are 28 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 2003:
Alan Keith
Alan Keith (October 19, 1908 London-March 17, 2003 London) otherwise known as Alec Kossoff or Alexander Kossoff was a British actor, disc jockey and presenter.
Alan Keith started his career as an actor in the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in films such as "The Silver Fleet" (1943) and "The Arsenal Stadium Mystery" (1939). He later became a popular radio personality, serving as a disc jockey and presenter on the BBC. He was the host of the classical music program "Your Hundred Best Tunes" for more than 30 years, from 1945 until 1976. In addition to his radio work, Keith also served as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest and other events. As a respected voice in the British broadcasting industry, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1962. Keith remained active in broadcasting until his death at the age of 94.
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Alan Bates
Alan Bates (February 17, 1934 Allestree-December 27, 2003 Westminster) otherwise known as Alan Arthur Bates, Sir Alain Arthur Bates CBE, Alain Arthur Bates, Sir Alain Arthur Bates, Sir Alan Bates CBE or Sir Alan Bates was a British actor and voice actor. His children are called Benedick Bates and Tristan Bates.
Bates studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made his stage debut in 1956. He quickly rose to fame with his performances in various stage productions, including "Look Back in Anger" and "A Patriot for Me." Bates also starred in a number of films throughout his career, including "A Kind of Loving," "Zorba the Greek," and "Women in Love." He received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Fixer." In addition to his acting career, Bates was also known for his activism, particularly in relation to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1996 and was knighted in 2003, shortly before his death from pancreatic cancer.
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Cyril Shaps
Cyril Shaps (October 13, 1923 Highbury-January 1, 2003 London) also known as Leonard Cyril Shaps or Cyril Leonard Shaps was a British actor, voice actor and radio personality. His children are called Michael Shaps, Sarah Shaps and Simon Shaps.
Shaps had a prolific career in both television and film, appearing in over 100 films throughout his lifetime. He is perhaps best known for his roles in popular television series such as Doctor Who, The Avengers and Bergerac. Shaps also had a successful career in theatre, making his West End debut in 1944 in the play Ladies in Retirement. He later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he appeared in a number of productions, including The Tempest and Macbeth. In addition to his acting career, Shaps was a regular radio personality, and hosted his own show on BBC Radio 2 for many years.
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Adam Faith
Adam Faith (June 23, 1940 Acton, London-March 8, 2003 Stoke-on-Trent) also known as Terence Nelhams, Faith, Adam, Adam Faith and the Roulettes, The Worried Men, Terence "Terry" Nelhams-Wright, Terence Nelhams-Wright or Terry Nelhams was a British singer, musician, journalist and actor. His child is called Katya Nelhams-Wright.
Faith rose to fame in the 1960s with a string of hits including "What Do You Want?" and "Poor Me." He was also a successful actor, appearing in several films including "Beat Girl" and "Stardust." In the 1970s, Faith transitioned to a career in television, working as a presenter and producer. He produced several successful TV shows, including "Budgie" and "Minder." Faith continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 2003 at the age of 62. He was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1998 for his services to music and entertainment.
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Bob Hope
Bob Hope (May 29, 1903 Eltham-July 27, 2003 Toluca Lake) also known as Leslie Townes Hope, `Old Ski Nose`, Lester Townes Hope, Robert Hope, Packy East, Lester T. Hope, Old Ski Nose, Lester Hope or Bob was a British comedian, golfer, actor, film producer, author, singer, dancer, athlete, lineman, butcher, professional boxer, television producer, vaudeville performer and screenwriter. He had four children, William Kelly Francis Hope, Linda Hope, Eleanora Hope and Anthony J. Hope.
Born in England, Bob Hope moved to the United States at the age of four and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He began his career in show business in the 1920s as a vaudeville performer, eventually transitioning to radio and then film. He appeared in over 70 films and hosted the Academy Awards a record 19 times. Known for his rapid-fire one-liners and self-deprecating humor, Bob Hope was a beloved figure in American entertainment for decades. He also gained a reputation as a philanthropist and entertained U.S. troops overseas for over 50 years, earning the title of "Honorary Veteran" from the U.S. Congress. Bob Hope received numerous awards during his lifetime, including five honorary Academy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.
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Denis Quilley
Denis Quilley (December 26, 1927 Islington-October 5, 2003 London) also known as Denis Clifford Quilley, Dennis Quilley or Denis Clifford Quilley OBE was a British actor.
Quilley began his career in the early 1950s with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and went on to have a successful stage career both in London's West End and on Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1984 for his performance in "Sleuth." Quilley also appeared in films such as "Evil Under the Sun" and "Chariots of Fire," and on television in shows like "Doctor Who" and "Midsomer Murders." He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2002 for his contributions to acting.
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Dinsdale Landen
Dinsdale Landen (September 4, 1932 Margate-December 29, 2003 South Creake) a.k.a. Dinsdale James Landen or Dinsdale Landon was a British actor.
Landen began his acting career in the 1950s and performed extensively in theatre, on television and in films. He appeared in several notable TV shows such as Doctor Who, Yes, Minister, and Kavanagh QC. In films, he is best known for his roles in The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) and Firefox (1982).
Landen was also a prolific stage actor and performed in numerous productions in West End theatres. He was particularly renowned for his performances in Shakespearean plays and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Outside of his acting career, Landen was an authority on wine and wrote numerous articles and books on the subject. He also worked as a wine consultant and managed several wine cellars for restaurants.
Sadly, Landen passed away in 2003 at the age of 71 due to heart failure. He is remembered as a talented actor and connoisseur of wine.
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Robert Brown
Robert Brown (July 23, 1921 Swanage-November 11, 2003 Swanage) also known as Robert James Brown or Bob Brown was a British actor.
He is best known for his role as M in the James Bond film series, from 1983 to 1989. Brown began his acting career on the stage, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. He transitioned to film and television in the 1950s, appearing in various productions including "The Third Man" and "Take a Chance". In addition to his work in the Bond films, notable performances include roles in "A View to a Kill" and "The Living Daylights". Brown was also a respected voice actor, lending his voice to several animated series including "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Kong: The Animated Series".
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Andrew Ray
Andrew Ray (May 31, 1939 Southgate, London-August 20, 2003 London) a.k.a. Andrew Olden was a British actor.
He began his acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he performed in numerous plays. Ray later appeared in several British television shows and films, including "Love Story", "The Plane Makers", and "The Avengers". He also had a successful stage career, performing in productions of "Billy Liar" and "Relatively Speaking". In addition to his acting career, Ray was an active member of the Labour Party and campaigned for numerous political causes. He passed away from lung cancer in 2003 at the age of 64.
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Paddy Crean
Paddy Crean (June 27, 1910 London-December 22, 2003 Stratford) also known as Patrick Crean, Paddy, Pat Crean or Patrick "Paddy" Crean was a British actor.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Paddy Crean was also a highly skilled swordsman, stuntman, and fight choreographer. He became well-known for his work in films such as The Vikings (1958), Barabbas (1961), and The War Lord (1965). Crean also trained actors in combat and choreographed fight scenes for numerous productions, including the stage production of Romeo and Juliet by the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada. He was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to the arts and was also posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2018.
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Ben Aris
Ben Aris (March 16, 1937 London-September 4, 2003 Esher) also known as Benjamin Patrick Aris was a British actor. He had one child, Jonathan Aris.
Ben Aris had a career spanning over five decades, during which he appeared in numerous theatre productions, films, and TV shows. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and made his stage debut in 1963, appearing in productions at the Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre, and West End productions. Some of his notable performances include his portrayal of Malvolio in a production of "Twelfth Night" and Shrdlu in "A Hatful of Rain."
Aris also had a successful career in film and television, appearing in popular shows such as "The Avengers," "Doctor Who," and "Midsomer Murders." Some of his film credits include "Nicholas and Alexandra," "The Spy Who Loved Me," and "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life."
Apart from being an actor, Aris was also a dedicated teacher and mentor, and he taught at RADA and Drama Centre London. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 66 due to a heart attack.
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Les Tremayne
Les Tremayne (April 16, 1913 Balham-December 19, 2003 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Lester Tremayne was a British actor and voice actor.
During his career, Les Tremayne appeared in more than 70 films and television series. He began his career in the late 1930s with bit parts in British films before moving to the United States in the 1940s. There, he appeared in several Hollywood films such as "Northwest Passage" (1940) and "The First Time" (1952) and dozens of television series including "The Lone Ranger" and "Perry Mason." However, it was his work as a voice actor that truly made him famous. He lent his iconic voice to a number of popular radio shows such as "The Falcon" and "The Adventures of the Thin Man" and later on to animated shows like "The Jetsons" and "GI Joe." He also hosted a popular radio show called "The Les Tremayne Show" in the 1940s. Tremayne continued acting well into his old age, and his final on-screen appearance was in the 2001 film "The Way She Moves."
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Stephen Whittaker
Stephen Whittaker (June 28, 1947 London-February 7, 2003 London) a.k.a. Stephen John Whittaker or Stephen Wittaker was a British film director, actor and television director.
He began his career directing music videos for artists such as Duran Duran and Pet Shop Boys. He later transitioned to television and directed episodes of popular UK shows such as Coronation Street and EastEnders. Whittaker was also an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as The Krays and television shows such as Inspector Morse. In addition to his directing and acting work, he was also a screenwriter and producer. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 55 due to complications from surgery.
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Alan Tilvern
Alan Tilvern (November 5, 1918 Whitechapel-December 17, 2003 London) was a British actor.
He began his career in the theatre in the 1930s and went on to have a successful acting career on stage, in films, and on television. Tilvern appeared in more than 100 films over his 50-year career, including the blockbusters "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Superman II". He was also a regular presence on British television, appearing in many popular series throughout the 1960s and 70s. In addition to his acting work, Tilvern was also a respected drama teacher, working at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for many years.
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Basil Langton
Basil Langton (January 9, 1912 Clifton, Bristol-May 29, 2003 Santa Monica) was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the UK theater and later moved to Hollywood where he appeared in over 100 films and television shows. Some of his well-known film credits include "The Secret Garden," "Little Women," "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir," and "The Big Clock." He also had recurring roles in popular TV series such as "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," and "The Twilight Zone." Langton was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray diverse characters in both comedic and dramatic roles. He retired from acting in the 1980s and lived a quiet life in California until his passing in 2003.
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Marc Zuber
Marc Zuber (May 5, 1944 Lucknow-May 28, 2003 London) a.k.a. Mark Zuber was a British actor.
He was born in India and began his career in theatre before transitioning to film and television work. Zuber is perhaps most notable for his roles in the popular British television series "The Jewel in the Crown" and "Coronation Street". He also appeared in several films, including "Shanka" and "My Beautiful Laundrette". Zuber was known for his versatility as an actor and for his ability to handle complex and challenging roles. Outside of his acting career, he was a passionate advocate for the environment and worked as a wildlife conservationist. Zuber passed away in London in 2003, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most accomplished actors.
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Peter Shaw
Peter Shaw (June 24, 1918 Reading-January 29, 2003 Brentwood) also known as Peter Shaw Pullen or Peter Pullen was a British actor, television producer and businessperson. He had three children, Anthony Pullen Shaw, David Shaw and Deidre Angela Shaw.
Peter Shaw began his acting career in the 1940s and starred in films such as "The Dam Busters" and "The Blue Lamp". He later transitioned into television production and co-founded the company Shawcraft Models Ltd., which created special effects for shows like "Doctor Who" and "Thunderbirds". Shaw also produced several popular TV shows, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Danger Man". He was married to Hollywood actress Angela Lansbury for over 50 years until his death in 2003. In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, Shaw was also a successful businessman, with interests in real estate and other ventures.
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David Greene
David Greene (February 22, 1921 Manchester-April 7, 2003 Ojai) also known as Lucius David Syms Brian Lederman, David Brian Lederman or L. David Syms-Greene was a British television director, actor, film producer, television producer, film director and screenwriter. He had four children, Lindy Greene, Linsel Greene, Nicolas Greene and Laurence Greene.
David Greene began his career as an actor before transitioning into directing for television and film. Some of his most notable works include directing episodes of popular television shows such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". He also directed several successful made-for-TV movies, such as "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "Hard Times".
In addition to directing, Greene was also a prolific television and film producer. He worked on several successful productions throughout his career, including the film "Sepia Cinderella" and the television series "The Naked Truth".
Throughout his career, David Greene received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He received two Emmy nominations for his work on "The Defection of Simas Kudirka" and "Peter the Great". He also won a BAFTA TV Award for his work on "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".
David Greene passed away in 2003 at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
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David Battley
David Battley (November 5, 1935 Battersea-January 20, 2003 Epsom) otherwise known as David Batley or David John Battley was a British actor. He had one child, Zoe S. Battley.
Throughout his career, David Battley appeared in numerous films, television shows and stage productions. He was best known for his roles in films such as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971), "The Boy Friend" (1971), and "The Great Muppet Caper" (1981).
On television, Battley appeared in several popular British shows, including "Doctor Who", "The Onedin Line", and "People Like Us". He also had a recurring role on the sitcom "Please Sir!".
In addition to his acting career, Battley was a talented musician and singer. He often incorporated his musical skills into his acting roles, most notably in "The Boy Friend" where he played the character of "Bobby Van Husen".
David Battley passed away in 2003 at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. He is remembered as a versatile and talented actor who brought a unique energy to each of his performances.
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John Schlesinger
John Schlesinger (February 16, 1926 London-July 25, 2003 Palm Springs) also known as John Richard Schlesinger or John Richard Schlesinger, CBE was a British film director, actor, television director, screenwriter, film producer and theatre director.
Schlesinger's career spanned over five decades and he was known for his versatility in filmmaking, having worked on a variety of genres such as drama, romance, satire, and musicals. He is best known for directing the iconic film "Midnight Cowboy" which won three Academy Awards including Best Picture. Schlesinger also directed other notable films such as "Darling," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and "Marathon Man." In addition to his success in filmmaking, Schlesinger was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1970 for his contributions to the arts, and he also served as the chairman of the British Film Institute from 1993 to 1997.
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David Bale
David Bale (September 2, 1941 South Africa-December 30, 2003 Santa Monica) a.k.a. David Charles Howard Bale was a British entrepreneur, airline pilot, talent manager, actor and businessperson. His children are called Christian Bale, Louise Bale, Erin Bale and Sharon Bale.
David Bale was born in South Africa and later moved to England to work as an RAF pilot. After retiring from the military, he went on to become an entrepreneur, founding the company The Purple Corporation. Bale also worked as a talent manager, representing actors such as Gloria Gaynor and his own son, Christian Bale. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, he was an actor himself, appearing in several TV series and films. Bale was married three times and had four children before passing away in 2003 from brain lymphoma.
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Vic Gordon
Vic Gordon (March 4, 1911 England-December 2, 2003 Melbourne) was a British actor. He had one child, Jacqui Gordon.
Vic Gordon began his career in the arts with his first stage performance at the age of 19. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1930s and played a variety of roles in London's West End theaters. He later transitioned to television and film work, where he became best known for his roles in popular Australian shows such as "Homicide" and "Division 4". He moved to Australia in the 1960s and later became a citizen. Gordon also appeared in several Hollywood films such as "The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear" and "Crocodile Dundee II". Other notable television roles include guest spots on "The Saint", "The Avengers", and "The Sullivans". Gordon continued to act well into his 80s and received an Order of Australia medal for his contributions to the arts in 2002.
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Larry Taylor
Larry Taylor (July 13, 1918 Peterborough-August 6, 2003 Johannesburg) a.k.a. Laurence Taylor or Laurie Taylor was a British actor and stunt performer. He had one child, Rocky Taylor.
Larry Taylor began his career as a stunt performer before transitioning to acting in the 1950s. He appeared in several well-known British films, including "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "The Ladykillers." Taylor was also a regular performer in the long-running British TV series "The Saint" and "The Avengers."
In addition to his acting work, Taylor was a skilled stuntman and worked on numerous films throughout his career, performing stunts for actors such as Roger Moore and Sean Connery. He also worked as a stunt coordinator on several films, including "Goldfinger" and "You Only Live Twice."
Taylor retired from acting in the early 1980s but continued to work as a stunt coordinator, providing his expertise to films such as "Octopussy" and "A View to a Kill." He passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2003, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented stunt performers and actors of his generation.
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James Saxon
James Saxon (June 12, 1954 Swindon-July 2, 2003 Chichester) a.k.a. James Smythe, James Smyth or William James Smyth was a British actor.
He was best known for his roles in the films "The English Patient" and "A Fish Called Wanda", as well as for his appearances on popular British television shows such as "Doctor Who" and "Midsomer Murders". Saxon trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and began his career in theater before transitioning to film and television. He was known for his versatility as an actor, often portraying both serious dramatic roles and comedic characters. Saxon also provided voice work for several video games, including "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" and "Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun". Throughout his career, he worked alongside many notable actors and directors, and was frequently praised for his talent and professionalism.
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Alfred Lynch
Alfred Lynch (January 26, 1931 Whitechapel-December 16, 2003) also known as Alfie Lynch or Alfred Cornelius Lynch was a British actor.
He first gained recognition for his appearance in the 1959 film "The Criminal" and went on to have a successful career in both film and television. Lynch was known for his tough-guy persona and often played characters with a rough exterior. He worked alongside notable actors such as Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, and Sean Connery. Later in his career, he also appeared in several stage productions, including the West End production of "Loot." Lynch was highly respected in the industry and was praised for his natural acting ability.
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David King-Wood
David King-Wood (September 12, 1913 Tehran-September 3, 2003 New York City) also known as Oliver David King-Wood was a British actor.
David King-Wood was born to British parents in Tehran, Iran in 1913. He went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and started his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. King-Wood appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, including roles in the films "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and "The Great Escape". He also made many appearances on British television programs in the 1950s and 1960s. King-Wood moved to the United States in the late 1960s and continued to work in television, appearing in shows such as "The Avengers" and "The Saint". He died in New York City in 2003 at the age of 89.
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Gordon Salkilld
Gordon Salkilld (May 9, 1927 London-May 14, 2003) was a British actor.
He began his career in the theater, appearing in several productions in London's West End before making his way to television and film. Salkilld is best known for his roles in popular TV shows such as "The Avengers", "Doctor Who", and "Z-Cars". He also appeared in several films, including "The Curse of the Werewolf" and "The Omen". In addition to his acting, Salkilld was also known for his work as a voiceover artist, lending his voice to numerous cartoons, radio dramas, and commercials. Despite his success, Salkilld remained a humble and down-to-earth person, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
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Kevin Laffan
Kevin Laffan (May 24, 1922 Reading-March 11, 2003 London) also known as Kevin Barry Laffan, Kevin B. Laffan or Kevin Barry was a British screenwriter, playwright, author, actor and theatre director.
Laffan was best known for creating the hit British soap opera "Emmerdale", originally titled "Emmerdale Farm", which first aired in 1972 and is still running to this day. He also wrote several episodes of the popular TV series, "The Avengers" and "Z-Cars". In addition to his work in television, Laffan was an accomplished stage playwright and director, with many of his plays being performed in theaters across the UK. He was also a published author, writing several novels under the pen name of Kevin Barry. Laffan's contributions to the arts were recognized when was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1997 for his services to drama.
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