Biography
Vladek Sheybal (born Władysław Rudolf Zbigniew Sheybal; 12 March 1923 – 16 October 1992) was a Polish character actor, singer and director of stage and television productions. Born in Zgierz, Poland, he trained as an actor in Warsaw and made his screen debut in Andrzej Wajda's Kanal (1957). He emigrated to Britain in 1958 and became a naturalised British citizen.
Sheybal was known for his portrayal of the chess grandmaster Kronsteen in the James Bond film From Russia with Love (1963), a role recommended by Sean Connery, and as Otto Leipzig in the television series Smiley's People (1982). Other credits include Captain Ferreira in the miniseries Shōgun (1980), General Bratchenko in Red Dawn (1984), and recurring appearances in UFO as Dr Douglas Jackson. He remained active until his death in London.
