Biography
David Swift was an English actor. Born in Liverpool in 1931, he initially pursued a career in business before turning to acting in his mid-thirties. He began with stage work, serving as an assistant stage manager at Dundee Repertory Theatre, and made his television debut in 1964.
Swift appeared in numerous television and film roles from the 1970s onwards, including parts in The Day of the Jackal (1973), Travels with My Aunt (1972) and Jack & Sarah (1995). He was also known for stage performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in the West End production of 84, Charing Cross Road. He became best known for playing the irascible newsreader Henry Davenport in the Channel 4 series Drop the Dead Donkey (1990–1998).
Swift was married to the actress Paula Jacobs from 1953 until his death in 2016. He was the brother of actor Clive Swift.
