Peter Bowles

Peter John Bowles (16 October 1936 – 17 March 2022) was an English screen and stage actor who gained prominence for television dramas such as Callan: A Magnum for Schneider and I, Claudius. His memorable roles in sitcoms and television comedy dramas included Rumpole of the Bailey, Only When I Laugh, To the Manor Born, The Bounder, The Irish R.M., Lytton's Diary, Executive Stress, and Perfect Scoundrels. Born in London, England, he was the son of Herbert Reginald Bowles, a valet-companion and chauffeur. On the outbreak of the Second World War, his family moved to Hucknall, Nottingham. Bowles attended Nottingham High Pavement Grammar School, and later won a scholarship to study acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His first major role was with the Old Vic Company in 1956, playing in Shakespeare's works. Bowles also had a remarkable presence in theater, his last play for Sheridan's The Rivals in 2011, and his final starring role was Father Merrin in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.

Aside from his acting career, Bowles married Susan Bennett on 8 April 1961 and had three children. Despite being warned that his swarthy looks might restrict him from playing an Englishman, his roles saw great variation, including villains, comedics and dramatic characters. His performance as Richard DeVere in To the Manor Born was particularly celebrated and attracted over 20 million viewers for all episodes. Later in his career, Bowles co-devised a comedy/drama series called Perfect Scoundrels, which aired on ITV. He also took ideas for dramatic films to the BBC, resulting in the creation of Running Late, a film that won The Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival in 1993. His work also reached international audiences, gaining appreciation from American admirers such as Stephen Sondheim, Quentin Tarantino, and Marlon Brando. Bowles passed away at the age of 85 from cancer.