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Colin Stinton
View on WikipediaThis biography of a living person relies too much on references to primary sources. (September 2007) |
Colin Stinton (born March 10, 1947) is a Canadian-American actor. He is widely known for his collaborations with playwright and filmmaker David Mamet, and has worked extensively in the United Kingdom since 1985. He is a Joseph Jefferson Award winner and a Drama Desk Award nominee.
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1947, Stinton moved to the United States as a child in 1952. He lived in a trailer with his family—traveling throughout the U.S. and finally settling in the Chicago area. There he attended Northern Illinois University, acting in several campus productions and joining an alumni group that performed in Chicago as the Dinglefest Theatre Company, which later established The Theatre Building. He spent several years as part of the Chicago theatre scene where he met and worked frequently with playwright-director David Mamet.
Career
[edit]Stinton lived in New York, 1978–1985, during which he created the title role in Mamet's Edmond, and received a Theatre World Award for his role in Mamet's The Water Engine, on Broadway. He moved to London in 1985, where he spent several years at the National Theatre in addition to work in the West End and in film, television and radio. He returned to New York to earn a Drama Desk Award nomination for his role in the U.S. premier of Richard Nelson's Some Americans Abroad, and played Mr. Robinson in both the London and New York stage versions of The Graduate.
He was in the original stage production of Rain Man in London and a West End revival of The Pajama Game in 2014. His stage work includes premieres of new plays by David Mamet, Jean-Claude van Itallie, Richard Nelson, Dusty Hughes, David Hare, John Osborne, and Tom Stoppard.
He played Neal Daniels in The Bourne Ultimatum. Other roles include President Arthur Coleman Winters in the Doctor Who episode "The Sound of Drums", US Secretary of State Al Haig in The Falklands Play, the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom in The Trial of Tony Blair, the United States Secretary of State Traynor Styles in Spooks, and Justice Robert H. Jackson in the BBC docudrama Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial.
He appeared as Dr. Dave Greenwalt in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and the disbelieving Detective Cartert in the Arielle Kebbel horror vehicle Freakdog. He played opinionated news caster Anthony Markowitz in Broken News.
Stinton played the part of an American named Charles Lester in one of Agatha Christie's Poirot serials Poirot's Early Cases entitled "The Lost Mine". He also appears as the head judge in the 2001 music video, "Murder on the Dancefloor", by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
He appeared as Lt Colonel Hoyt Jackson for the US Justice Department, tracking a Nazi war criminal in Foyle's War Series 8, Episode 3, "Sunflower" in 2013.
Personal life
[edit]Stinton now lives in Walthamstow, Greater London; and in Chicago.[1]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | The Verdict | Billy | |
| 1983 | Daniel | Dale | |
| 1990 | The Russia House | Henziger | |
| 1991 | Homicide | Walter B Wells | |
| 1992 | Flodders in America | Jack | |
| 1996 | In Love and War | Tom Burnside | |
| 1997 | Tomorrow Never Dies | Dr. Dave Greenwalt | |
| 1999 | The Winslow Boy | Desmond Curry | |
| 2001 | Spy Game | Henry Pollard | |
| 2002 | Ali G Indahouse | US Delegate | |
| Thunderpants | Foster | ||
| The Hours | Hotel Clerk | ||
| 2003 | Quicksand | Harbinson | |
| Belly of the Beast | Jim Cox | ||
| 2004 | The Machinist | Inspector Rogers | |
| Closer | Customs Officer | ||
| 2005 | The Jacket | Jury Foreman | |
| Proof | Theoretical Physicist | ||
| 2006 | Second in Command | Ambassador George Norland | |
| The Kovak Box | Encargado Consulado | ||
| Big Nothing | Max | ||
| 2007 | The Bourne Ultimatum | Neal Daniels | |
| 2008 | TransSiberian | Embassy Official | |
| Freakdog | Detective Cartert | ||
| 2011 | Captain America: The First Avenger | New York Taxi Driver | Uncredited |
| 2012 | City Slacker | Freddie | |
| 2013 | Trimming Pablo | Short film | |
| Rush | Teddy Mayer | ||
| 2017 | Borg vs McEnroe | Talk Show Host | |
| The Current War | Daniel Burnham | ||
| 2018 | Beirut | Mr. Jones | |
| Hunter Killer | Senator from Iowa | ||
| Show Dogs | NYPD Chief | ||
| 2019 | Adults in the Room | Steve | |
| 2020 | Blithe Spirit | Cecil B. DeMille | |
| Wonder Woman 1984 | NORAD Colonel | ||
| 2022 | All the Old Knives | Moscow Station Chief |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The American Short Story | Hotel Manager | Episode: "Paul's Case" |
| 1987 | Yesterday's Dreams | Ed Gutman | Recurring role; 2 episodes |
| 1987 | Still Crazy Like a Fox | Thurmond Richards | Television film |
| 1988 | A Very Peculiar Practice | Charlie Dusenberry | Recurring role; 6 episodes |
| 1988 | Lip Service | Salesman #2 | Television film |
| 1989 | Saracen | Lou Grady | Episode: "Infidels" |
| Coded Hostile | Operator | Television film | |
| Mother Love | Concert Hall Manager | Episode: "Episode 2" | |
| The Ginger Tree | Bob Dale | Episode: "Episode 3" | |
| 1990 | Agatha Christie's Poirot | Charles Lester | Episode: "The Lost Mine" |
| The Tragedy of Flight 103: The Inside Story | Raymond Smith | Television film | |
| 1992 | A Bit of Fry & Laurie | Judge | Episode: "Series 3, Episode 6" |
| Hostages | Mike Mulholland | Television film | |
| Ghostwatch | Dr. Emilio Sylvestri | Television film | |
| 1993 | Comedy Playhouse | Tony | Episode: "The 10%ers" |
| A Year in Provence | Bishop Brian Stanford | Miniseries; 2 episodes | |
| Remember | Art Morgan | Television film | |
| 1994 | 99-1 | Hanson | Episode: "Trust Me" |
| The 10%ers | Tony | Series regular; 7 episodes | |
| 1995 | The Infiltrator | Aaron Breitbart | Television film |
| 1997 | Jonathan Creek | Scott Reisner | Episode: "Jack in the Box" |
| Strange but True? | Reconstruction Cast | Episode: "Remote Viewing (David Morehouse)" | |
| 2000 | Dark Realm | Atwater | Episode: "Skin Deep" |
| 2001 | The Armando Iannucci Shows | Recurring role; 2 episodes | |
| 2002 | The American Embassy | John Macavoy | Episode: "China Cup" |
| Waking the Dead | Larry Karp | Episode: "Special Relationship" | |
| The Falklands Play | Alexander Haig | Television film | |
| 2003 | Manchild | Plastic Surgeon | Episode: "Series 2, Episode 1" |
| Down to Earth | Mr. Simpich | Episode: "The Poseidon Effect" | |
| Spine Chillers | Gangster | Episode: "Fairy Godfather" | |
| Seven Wonders of the Industrial World | Walker 'Brig' Young | Episode: "The Hoover Dam" | |
| Days That Shook the World | Voiceover | Episode: "The Assassination of JFK/The Resignation of Nixon" | |
| 2004 | 12 Days of Terror | Dr. John Nichols | Television film |
| Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets | Fred Duncan | Television film | |
| 2005 | Broken News | Anthony Markowitz | Series regular; 6 episodes |
| 2006 | My Family | Dr. Buck Bukowski | Episode: "Bliss for Idiots" |
| Spooks | Traynor Styles | Episode: "World Trade" | |
| A for Andromeda | Kaufman | Television film | |
| Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial | Justice Robert Jackson | Miniseries; 3 episodes | |
| The Wild West | Lew Wallace | Episode: "Billy the Kid" | |
| Wire in the Blood | Professor Sutton | Episode: "Hole in the Heart" | |
| 2007 | Doctor Who | President Arthur Coleman Winters | Episode: "The Sound of Drums" |
| Consenting Adults | Alfred Kinsey | Television film | |
| The Trial of Tony Blair | US Ambassador | ||
| 2008 | House of Saddam | US Journalist | Miniseries; 1 episode |
| Harley Street | Mr. Stanson | Episode: "Episode 4" | |
| Wire in the Blood | Radio Announcer | Episode: "Prayer of the Bone" | |
| 2009 | Moonshot | Robert R. Gilruth | Television film |
| 2012 | Trigger Point | Morgan | Recurring role |
| Chasing Leprechauns | Thorpe | Television film | |
| 2013 | Foyle's War | Lieutenant Colonel Hoyt Jackson | Episode: "Sunflower" |
| 2014 | Veep | US Ambassador | Episode: "Special Relationship" |
| 2017 | Fearless | Jack Kretchmer | Miniseries; 5 episodes |
| Outlander | Dean Jackson | Episode: "The Battle Joined" | |
| 2018 | Butterfly | Dr. Leonard Farrow | Miniseries; 2 episodes |
| 2019 | Absentia | Dr. Steven Mandel | Recurring role; 2 episodes |
| The Crown | Lawrence Spivak | Episode: "Bubbikins" | |
| 2020 | Hanna | Tom Kaladski | Episode: "The Trial" |
| The Queen's Gambit | Chennault | Episode: "Adjournment" | |
| 2021 | The Serpent | Bastien | Episode: "Episode Six" |
| 2024 | Silent Witness | Ted Holmes (voice) | Episode: "Kings Cross - Part 1" |
Video games
[edit]| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Apache: Air Assault | ||
| 2011 | Battlefield 3 | Overwatch | |
| Anno 2070 | Trenchcoat | ||
| 2015 | Blues and Bullets | Jim Dockers | |
| Anno 2205 | Emem Buhari | English version | |
| Randal's Monday | Bruno / Narrator / Rod | ||
| 2016 | Deponia Doomsday | Junk Wizard / Zoon | English version |
| 2021 | Encased | Dean Rayhet | |
| 2023 | RoboCop: Rogue City | ||
| 2024 | Wizardry Variants Daphne | English version |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Title | Artist | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Freedom of the Night | Sophie Ellis-Bextor | Judge | Uncredited |
Audio/podcast
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Purple Heart Warriors | Col. Pence | BBC Radio drama |
References
[edit]External links
[edit]Colin Stinton
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Early life
Colin Stinton was born on March 10, 1947, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.[2] In 1952, at the age of five, Stinton's family immigrated to the United States, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle that defined his early childhood. They lived in a trailer, traveling extensively across the country in search of stability and opportunities, which exposed young Colin to diverse American landscapes and communities during this formative period.[2] The family's itinerant existence eventually led them to settle first in Kansas City, Missouri, before establishing roots in the suburban Chicago area, where Stinton spent much of his pre-teen and teenage years.[2]Education
Stinton attended Northern Illinois University.[6] During his time at the university, he participated in several campus theatre productions, gaining early hands-on experience in acting.[6] These university activities, combined with his later involvement with the Dinglefest Theatre Company in Chicago, helped solidify his decision to pursue acting as a professional career.[7]Career
Chicago beginnings
Following his graduation from Northern Illinois University, Colin Stinton launched his professional acting career in Chicago during the early 1970s, immersing himself in the city's burgeoning off-Loop theatre scene.[8] He joined a collective of fellow alumni from Northern Illinois University, contributing to improvisational comedy performances at venues like the Body Politic Theatre, where in 1972 he memorably portrayed a human pinball machine in the satirical revue Luther Burbank Dingleberry Festival, directed by Byron Schaffer Jr.[9] This role marked one of his initial forays into the experimental and ensemble-driven work that characterized Chicago's alternative theatre landscape at the time.[7] Stinton soon became a key figure in the Dinglefest Theatre Company, spending three years there as an actor, writer, and associate director, while the group performed in spaces such as the upstairs room at the Body Politic.[7] The company, known for its irreverent and collaborative productions, evolved to establish The Theatre Building in 1977, a pioneering multi-venue complex at 1225 W. Belmont Avenue designed to support resident ensembles and foster Chicago's independent theatre community. During this period, Stinton originated the role of Dave Moss in David Mamet's The Water Engine in its 1977 world premiere at the St. Nicholas Theatre.[10] He appeared in ensemble pieces like Verbatim and Guess Works at the Body Politic/Dinglefest, and he penned the original play Bear, which was produced by the company, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in the local scene.[7] He also took on roles such as Jake in Green Julia (1976) at the Magic Circle Theatre, directed by Yuri Rasovsky, further embedding himself in Chicago's innovative stage offerings.[11][7] Stinton's foundational contributions in Chicago garnered early recognition within the regional theatre world. In 1979, he received a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Philip Barry's Holiday at the Goodman Theatre, highlighting his growing prominence before his relocation to New York in 1978.[8] This nod underscored the impact of his steady presence in Chicago productions throughout the decade, where he helped nurture the city's reputation as a hub for bold, actor-driven theatre.[9]New York period
In 1978, following his early professional experience in Chicago theatre, Colin Stinton relocated to New York City, where he established his residence until 1985.[12] During this period, Stinton immersed himself in the vibrant New York theatre scene, forging key collaborations with playwright David Mamet that became central to his career trajectory.[13] Stinton reprised the role of Dave Moss when Mamet's The Water Engine, a radio play-style drama, transferred to Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in February 1978 as part of a double bill with Mr. Happiness.[14] His performance earned him the Theatre World Award, recognizing outstanding debut Broadway or off-Broadway performances, which highlighted his ability to embody Mamet's terse, rhythmic dialogue and ensemble dynamics.[15] This role solidified Stinton's reputation as a Mamet interpreter, contributing to the playwright's rising prominence in experimental theatre circles. In 1982, Stinton created the title role of Edmond in Mamet's Edmond, an off-Broadway production at the Provincetown Playhouse directed by Gregory Mosher, exploring themes of urban alienation and moral descent through episodic vignettes.[16] Stinton's portrayal of the everyman unraveling in New York's underbelly was praised for its raw intensity, with critics noting how it captured the play's nightmarish portrayal of the city.[17] These Mamet collaborations not only showcased Stinton's versatility in originating complex, psychologically layered characters but also elevated his visibility among New York's off-Broadway and Broadway audiences, positioning him as a key figure in the city's theatre renaissance of the late 1970s and early 1980s.[4] Beyond Mamet, Stinton contributed to the broader New York stage, including a supporting role as J. Stanislaus McGahey in the short-lived Broadway comedy The Curse of an Aching Heart at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in January 1982, further demonstrating his range in ensemble-driven works.[18]London and international work
In 1985, Colin Stinton relocated from New York to London, where he established a prolific career in British theatre, particularly at the Royal National Theatre and in West End productions.[19] His early London work included the world premiere of Howard Brenton's The Genius at the National Theatre's Cottesloe in 1986, followed by roles in premieres of new plays by contemporary playwrights, solidifying his reputation for versatile character work in ensemble casts.[20] Stinton's West End engagements encompassed high-profile revivals and adaptations, such as the original London production of Terry Johnson's The Graduate in 2000 and Tom Stoppard's Indian Ink in 2005, showcasing his command of nuanced, intellectually demanding roles.[4] Stinton's transition to international film and television expanded significantly after his London move, with breakthrough appearances in major productions that highlighted his authoritative screen presence. A notable role was as U.S. President Arthur Coleman Winters in the 2007 Doctor Who episode "The Sound of Drums," where he portrayed a beleaguered leader confronting extraterrestrial invasion, earning praise for his commanding delivery amid the series' high-stakes sci-fi drama.[21] This performance marked a pivotal entry into British broadcasting, complemented by supporting parts in global films like The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), where he appeared as CIA Station Chief Neal Daniels, demonstrating his adaptability to action-oriented narratives with international appeal.[2] Throughout this period, Stinton maintained ongoing collaborations with David Mamet, adapting and performing in the playwright's works for London stages and screens, building on their earlier New York partnership. Key examples include the British premiere of Speed-the-Plow at the National Theatre's Lyttelton in 1989, where Stinton played a Hollywood executive navigating moral compromises, and the title role in the London production of Edmond at the National in 2003, embodying the protagonist's descent into urban alienation.[22] He also featured in Mamet's Romance at the Almeida Theatre in 2005, as a defense attorney in a satirical courtroom farce, and contributed to the 1998 Royal Court staging of The Old Neighborhood, delivering a haunting portrayal of fractured family dynamics.[23] These roles underscored Stinton's affinity for Mamet's staccato dialogue and themes of power and deception, extending their creative alliance across transatlantic productions. Stinton's career demonstrated remarkable longevity into the 2020s, with continued engagements in British television that reflected his enduring versatility. In 2024, he voiced the character Ted Holmes in the Silent Witness episode "Kings Cross - Part 1," contributing to a tense forensic investigation storyline centered on underground rail mysteries.[24] This appearance, alongside other projects like the music video for Sophie Ellis-Bextor's "Freedom of the Night," affirmed his active presence in multimedia formats, spanning over four decades of international work since his 1985 relocation.[2]Filmography
Film
Colin Stinton's feature film appearances span over four decades, primarily in supporting roles that often highlight his versatility in dramatic and thriller contexts. Following his transition to international work in London during the 1990s, he contributed to several high-profile action and spy films, including James Bond and Jason Bourne franchises.[8] His credited roles in theatrical feature films, organized chronologically, include:- The Verdict (1982) as Billy, a minor supporting character in the legal drama directed by Sidney Lumet.[25]
- Flodders in America! (1992) as Jack, portraying an American contact in the Dutch comedy sequel.
- In Love and War (1996) as Tom Burnside, a supporting role in the World War I romance starring Sandra Bullock and Chris O'Donnell.[26]
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) as Dr. Dave Greenwalt, a technician in the James Bond thriller with Pierce Brosnan, notable for its high-stakes action sequences.
- The Winslow Boy (1999) as Desmond Curry, a solicitor in the period drama adaptation directed by David Mamet.[27]
- Spy Game (2001) as Henry Pollard, a CIA operative in Tony Scott's espionage thriller starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt.
- The Machinist (2004) as Inspector Rogers, investigating the psychological thriller's central mystery alongside Christian Bale.
- Closer (2004) as Customs Officer, a brief authoritative role in Mike Nichols' romantic drama.
- Proof (2005) as a physicist at the party, supporting the intellectual drama with Gwyneth Paltrow.
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) as Neal Daniels, a CIA deputy in the action-packed sequel, pivotal to the conspiracy plot with Matt Damon.
- Freakdog (2008) as Detective Cartert, a law enforcement figure in the British horror film.
- City Slacker (2012) as Freddie, a mentor-like character in the romantic comedy.
- Rush (2013) as Teddy Mayer, team principal in Ron Howard's Formula One racing drama.
- The Current War (2017) as Daniel Burnham, an architect in the historical drama about electricity pioneers.
- Borg vs. McEnroe (2017) as Talk Show Host, appearing in media segments of the tennis biopic.
- Hunter Killer (2018) as Senator from Iowa, a political figure in the submarine thriller with Gerard Butler.[28]
- Show Dogs (2018) as NYPD Chief, supervising the comedic family adventure.[29]
- Adults in the Room (2019) as Steve, a negotiator in Costa-Gavras' political drama on the Greek financial crisis.
- Blithe Spirit (2020) as Cecil B. DeMille, a cameo as the famed director in the supernatural comedy remake.
- All the Old Knives (2022) as Moscow Station Chief, a CIA official in the espionage thriller directed by Janus Metz.
Television
Stinton began his television career in the 1980s with guest spots on British series, marking his transition from stage work in Chicago and New York to opportunities in the UK.[2] Over the decades, he appeared in a wide range of U.S. and UK productions, frequently cast as authoritative figures such as senators, presidents, and intelligence officers, reflecting his commanding presence and American accent.[2] His roles spanned procedural dramas, political series, and science fiction, with notable highlights including his portrayal of U.S. President Arthur Winters in the BBC's Doctor Who and recurring appearances in forensic thriller Silent Witness. During his London-based career phase starting in the late 1990s, Stinton increasingly focused on television guest roles alongside international film work. The following table catalogs selected television appearances chronologically, emphasizing key series and episodes where he played significant or recurring characters.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | The Two of Us | Unknown | Guest appearance in British sitcom series. |
| 1987 | The Ruth Rendell Mysteries | Unknown | Guest in episode of the crime anthology series. |
| 1989 | The Bill | Unknown | Guest spot in the police procedural series. |
| 1990 | Casualty | Unknown | Appearance in the medical drama series. |
| 1992 | Ghostwatch | Dr. Emilio Sylvestri | Supporting role in the BBC Halloween hoax TV special. |
| 1997 | Jonathan Creek | Unknown | Guest in the mystery comedy-drama series.[30] |
| 2001–2006 | The West Wing | Senator from Indiana | Recurring guest role across six episodes, including "The Stackhouse Filibuster" (2001), "Commencement" (2002), "The U.S. Poet Laureate" (2003), "The Long Goodbye" (2003), "The Supremes" (2004), and "Election Day Part 1" (2006). |
| 2001 | The Armando Iannucci Shows | Ensemble Actor | Appearances in episodes 6 and 8 of the sketch comedy series.[30] |
| 2003 | The Inspector Lynley Mysteries | Dr. Paul Fraser | Guest in "A Suitable Vengeance" (Season 2, Episode 2). |
| 2004 | Spooks | CIA Officer | Guest in "Episode #3.5" (Season 3, Episode 5). |
| 2006 | A for Andromeda | Kaufman | Role in the sci-fi miniseries remake.[31] |
| 2007 | Doctor Who | President Arthur Winters | Guest as the U.S. President in "The Sound of Drums" and "Last of the Time Lords" (Series 3). |
| 2007 | The Company | Allen Dulles | Supporting role in the TNT espionage miniseries. |
| 2007 | The Trial of Tony Blair | Unknown | Appearance in the satirical TV film. |
| 2011 | The Hour | Senator Wendell Meeks | Guest in "Episode #1.1" (Season 1 premiere). |
| 2014 | Midsomer Murders | Unknown | Guest in an episode of the crime drama series. |
| 2017 | Silent Witness | Ted Holmes | Guest pathologist in "Legacy" two-parter (Series 20).[32] |
| 2018 | Butterfly | Unknown | Role in the Channel 4 drama miniseries.[33] |
| 2019 | Hanna | CIA Deputy Director | Recurring in Season 1 of the Amazon action thriller series.[33] |
| 2024 | Silent Witness | Ted Holmes | Return as pathologist in recent episodes.[32] |
| 2025 | Talamasca: The Secret Order | Suttle | Recurring role in TV series.[2] |
| 2025 | Down Cemetery Road | Bob | Guest role in TV series.[2] |
