Paul Scofield
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Paul Scofield CH CBE |
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Scofield in 1974.
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| Born |
21 January 1922 Birmingham, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | 19 March 2008 (aged 86) Sussex, England |
| Cause of death | Leukemia |
| Resting place | St Mary's Churchyard, Balcombe |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1940–2006 |
| Spouse(s) | Joy Parker (1943–2008; his death, 2 children) |
David Paul Scofield CH CBE (21 January 1922 – 19 March 2008) was an English actor of stage and screen who was known for his striking presence, distinctive voice, and for the clarity and effortless intensity of his delivery. Regarded as one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time, Scofield preferred the stage over film. This, and his decision to put his family first, has meant that he has never been as well known outside the United Kingdom as some other actors.
Outside his homeland, Scofield is best known for his Academy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award- winning performance as Sir Thomas More in the 1966 film A Man for All Seasons. Scofield had originally played the same part on stage in the West End and in a Tony Award-winning performance on Broadway.
Actress Helen Mirren, who appeared with Scofield in the 1989 film When the Whales Came, said of him, "He aspires to the soul rather than the character. He has no sense of personal ambition. He's one of our great, great actors. We're lucky to have him."
In 1990, actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson, who played Scofield's son in Franco Zeffirelli's Hamlet, compared the experience to being "thrown into the ring with Mike Tyson."
Paul Scofield was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, the son of Mary and Edward Harry Scofield. When Scofield was a few weeks old, his family moved to Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, where his father served as the headmaster at the Hurstpierpoint Church of England School. Scofield told his biographer, Garry O'Connor, that his upbringing was divided. His father was an Anglican and his mother a Roman Catholic. Baptised into his mother's faith, Scofield said, "some days we were little Protestants and, on others, we were all devout little Catholics." He added, "A lack of direction in spiritual matters is still with me."
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