One of the UK's finest and most prolific character actors, credited with over two hundred television and sixty film roles which began in 1954 with Guy Hamilton's "An Inspector Calls".
Lived in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He and his wife had moved to the area
from Middlesex in 1992 to be closer to their two daughters, Lucy and Catherine, and five grandchildren.
Left school at 16 and spent six months working in an office before studying at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art). Whilst at RADA he began lifelong friendships with Richard Attenborough and Bryan Forbes.
Met his wife, Nona Blamire, in Rep in Northampton.
His work was described in Brian McFarlane's Encyclopedia of British Film as "a wonderful gallery of under-achievers".