Hawthorne, Nigel

Born, Coventry 5 April 1929. Educated at Christian Brothers' College, Cape Town, South Africa. Entered theatre professionally, 1950; returned to England, 1951. Extensive theatre work in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. His portrayal of Sir Humphrey Appleby in the BBC comedy Yes [Prime] Minister won him international acclaim in the 1980s. In 1992 he received the Olivier Award for his George III in Alan Bennett's hit stage play The Madness of George III . [For details of stage, film and TV roles, see Who Was Who ]. Knighted 1999; Commander of the British Empire, 1987; Deputy Lieutenant. Died, Hertfordshire, 26 December 2001.

Reference: Who's Who, 2001 (

From the guide to the Nigel Hawthorne's Playscript for 'King Lear', 1999-2000, (University of Birmingham Information Services, Shakespeare Institute Library)