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_.