Scofield, Paul, 1922-2008

Paul Scofield (1922-2008) was educated at Varndean School for boys, Croydon Repertory School and the London Mask Theatre School. He started his stage career in the 1940s, unable to sign up due to medical reasons. He's career which soon became synonymous with Classical theatre began first with the Eileen Thorndike and Herbert Scott Group and secondly the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Further on in his career Scofield worked closely with the Royal Shakespeare Company for a number of years as well as The National Theatre, his roles were numerous and diverse. Some of his most notable performances included King Lear, I am not Rapport, Volpone and The Madra's house. Beyond the theatre Scofield won acclaim through a number of films including 'A Man For All Seasons'(1966) and 'Expresso Bongo'(1958), as well as copious amounts of audiobooks and plays for BBC radio. Throughout his career Scofield was nominated for a number of awards but it was for his roles in the films 'Man For All Seasons'(1966) through which he won an Oscar and 'The Crucible' (1996) where he won a BAFTA for best supporting role. Alongside his awards in theatre Paul Scofield was also awarded a number of honorary degrees from universities including the University of St Andrews and Sussex University; in 1956 he received a CBE and in 2000 he was made a Companion of Honour. In 1943 Scofield married the actress Joy Parker, they had two children, Martin and Sarah Scofield.

From the guide to the Paul Scofield Collection, 1807 - 2010, (V&A Department of Theatre and Performance)