Tim Pigott-Smith

Timothy Peter Pigott-Smith, OBE (13 May 1946 – 7 April 2017) was known for his influential career in film and television, and as an author. He gained fame for his prominent role as Ronald Merrick in the drama series The Jewel in the Crown, earning the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor in 1985. On television, Pigott-Smith took on a variety of characters in series like The Chief, Midsomer Murders, The Vice, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, and King Charles III. He was also involved in Doctor Who stories to great acclaim. His film résumé was equally as notable with key roles in films such as Clash of the Titans (1981), Gangs of New York (2002), Johnny English (2003), and Quantum of Solace (2008).

Pigott-Smith was born in Rugby, Warwickshire, and trained as an actor at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. His career took off after his appearance as Arthur Llewellyn Davies in the BBC's mini-series The Lost Boys, leading eventually to his breakthrough role in The Jewel in the Crown. Beyond acting, Pigott-Smith authored books and was a regular narrator of documentary TV series, even narrating a series on the British Royal Family. His contributions to the performing arts were prodigious, working in theater playing Shakespearean and Greek roles, as well as contemporary works such as Enron and King Charles III. He concluded his career on a high note with a nomination for the Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in King Charles III.