Biography
Timothy West was an English actor whose career spanned stage, film and television for nearly seven decades. Born Timothy Lancaster West on 20 October 1934 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, he was the son of actors Lockwood West and Olive Carleton-Crowe. He made his professional stage debut in 1956 and became known for classical roles, including four performances as King Lear.
On television he played the title role in the 1975 series Edward the Seventh and appeared in series such as Agatha Christie's Poirot, Midsomer Murders, Bleak House and EastEnders. His film credits include The Day of the Jackal (1973), Cry Freedom (1987), EverAfter (1998) and 102 Dalmatians (2000). He was appointed CBE in 1984 for services to drama.
West married actress Prunella Scales in 1963; the couple presented the Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys together. Their son Samuel West is also an actor. He died on 12 November 2024.
