Theater News

British Actor Paul Scofield Dies at 86

Paul Scofield in A Man for All Seasons
(© Highland Films)
Paul Scofield in A Man for All Seasons
(© Highland Films)

Legendary British actor Paul Scofield died of leukemia yesterday at a hospital near his home in southern England, according to published reports. He was 86.

Scofield was born in Sussex, England, on Jan. 21, 1922. He was well known for his Shakespearean roles, he won a 1962 Tony Award for A Man for All Seasons, and an Oscar for the 1966 film version of the play. His numerous stage credits include a large number of Shakespeare plays, The Power and the Glory (Evening Standard Drama Award), Faust, The Seagull, Amadeus, and John Gabriel Borkman (Olivier nomination).

The actor also received an Emmy Award for Male of the Species. He played the title role in Peter Brook’s 1971 film version of King Lear, the French king in Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V, the Ghost in Franco Zeffirelli’s Hamlet, and Judge Thomas Danforth in The Crucible. Additional film credits included his Oscar-nominated turn in Quiz Show, The Train, Bartleby, and Scorpio.

Scofield is survived by his wife, actress Joy Parker, son Martin and daughter Sarah.