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Tom Courtenay

Sir Tom Courtenay

Biography

This well-respected actor has been starring in both theatre and film roles since his debut in 1960. Not only has he been nominated for two Tony Awards for Best Actor for his roles in 1977's "Otherwise Engaged" and 1982's "The Dresser", he was also nominated for an Academy Award for the movie version of the former, as well as for an earlier film in 1965. As well, he has been awarded the 1994 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama Theatre) for Best Actor and 1994 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance for his role in "Moscow Stations". Best known for his roles in Doctor Zhivago (1965) and the previously mentioned "The Dresser", he has worked on the stage in prestigious roles such as Hamlet in the Endinburgh Festival of 1968, causing him to be perceived as one of Britain's leading stage actors at the time. Not only has he received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, he is the subject of the song "Tom Courtenay" by Yo La Tengo. About acting, he has had the following to say; "The film business is absurd. Stars don't last very long. It's much more interesting to be a proper actor."

Selected filmography

1. (2007) His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass - Farder Coram
2. (2002) Nicholas Nickleby - Newman Noggs
3. (1998) (TV Drama) A Rather English Marriage - Roy Southgate
4. (1991) Let Him Have It - William Bentley
5. (1983) The Dresser - Norman
6. (1965) Doctor Zhivago - Pasha
7. (1962) The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner - Colin Smith