Timothy West

Timothy West
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Name	Timothy West
Caption	West in 2013
Birth name	Timothy Lancaster West
Birth date	20 October 1934
Birth place	Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1959–present
Spouse	Jacqueline Boyer (m. 1961; div. 1963), Prunella Scales (m. 1963)
Children	3, including Samuel West
Alma mater	Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Timothy West is a distinguished English actor renowned for his commanding presence across stage, screen, and television. With a career spanning over six decades, he is celebrated for his portrayals of historical figures and authoritative characters, particularly in productions by the BBC and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His extensive work in British theatre and his collaborations with his wife, actress Prunella Scales, have made him a beloved and respected figure in the performing arts.

Early life and education

Timothy Lancaster West was born in Bradford, within the historic West Riding of Yorkshire. He is the son of Harry West, a noted character actor, and Olive Carleton-Smith, which immersed him in the theatrical world from a young age. He received his formal education at John Lyon School in Harrow before pursuing his passion for acting at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early training provided a robust foundation for a career that would later see him become a stalwart of the British entertainment industry.

Career

West's professional career began in regional repertory theatre, including a stint at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He gained significant national recognition through numerous television roles, most notably his portrayal of Edward VII in the acclaimed ITV series Edward the Seventh, which earned him a BAFTA TV Award. He is also widely known for playing Stanley Ogden in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street and for his role in the popular sitcom Brass. His authoritative voice and demeanor have led to many roles in political and historical dramas, including appearances in The Day of the Jackal, Ever After, and the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Personal life

West has been married twice, first briefly to actress Jacqueline Boyer. In 1963, he married the acclaimed actress Prunella Scales, famous for her role in Fawlty Towers; their enduring partnership is one of the most respected in British theatre. They have two sons, including the actor Samuel West, and a daughter. The couple have frequently performed together on stage and screen, and their travels aboard narrowboats for the BBC Two series Great Canal Journeys documented their shared love of Britain's inland waterways. West is also a noted supporter of the Labour Party and various charitable causes.

Filmography

West's extensive filmography highlights his versatility. Key film credits include The Day of the Jackal (1973), Agatha (1979), The Thirty Nine Steps (1978), Ever After (1998), and The Death of Stalin (2017). On television, beyond his defining roles, he has appeared in series such as Bleak House, Doctor Who, Midsomer Murders, and Last Tango in Halifax. His voice work includes narrating the documentary series A History of Britain.

Theatre

A formidable stage actor, West has a long association with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His notable theatrical performances include the title role in King Lear, Winston Churchill in The Last of the Mohicans, and Chekhov's Uncle Vanya. He has performed at major venues like the Royal Court Theatre, the Old Vic, and the Chichester Festival Theatre. His directorial work includes productions for the Bristol Old Vic, where he also served as Artistic Director, solidifying his influence on post-war British theatre.

Awards and honours

In recognition of his services to drama, Timothy West was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours. He has won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor for Edward the Seventh and has received several other nominations throughout his career. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has been honored with the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for his outstanding contributions to the stage.

Category:English male stage actors Category:English male television actors Category:English male film actors Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Category:1934 births Category:Living people Category:Alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art