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Michael Sinelnikoff
Michael Sinelnikoff
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Michael G. Sinelnikoff (1 August 1928 – 1 July 2024) was a British-born Canadian actor, director, producer, and writer. He is known for his role as Professor Arthur Summerlee on the television series Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World,[1] and has been seen in a variety of film roles such as 300[1] and The Greatest Game Ever Played.[1]

Key Information

Biography

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Sinelnikoff was born in London, England, and was of mixed Russian, French, and German descent. He graduated from Higher Schools Certificate in Modern Languages, with Distinction in French and German language and literature in 1950. Sinelnikoff later attended the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art in London; Italia Conti Stage School, London, UK; and Carleton College (University), Ottawa, Canada.

Sinelnikoff's acting credits include portraying Professor Summerlee in two separate adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel The Lost World.

In 1984, Sinelnikoff became the first Director of Quebec's International Cirque du Soleil. His other non-acting credits include producing and directing 68 television dramas for CBC Montreal's Teleplay series and writer for CBC television series Festival drama: "The Spirit of the Deed".[2] He has also served as a director at national theaters and festivals including Montreal's Centaur Theatre and Saidye Bronfman Theatre, and The Piggery Theatre in North Hatley, Quebec.[3]

Sinelnikoff died in Montreal on 1 July 2024, at the age of 95.[4][5]

Filmography

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Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1985 The Blue Man William Duval
1988 Criminal Law Prof. Clemens
1989 Mindfield Judge
1990 Cursed Dr. R. Roberts
1991 L'empire des lumières Short film
1991 If Looks Could Kill Haywood
1991 The Quarrel Hospital Patient
1994 My Friend Max Professeur du Conservatoire
1994 Operation Golden Phoenix Curator
1995 Voices Sir Charles Devlin
1998 The Lost World Professor Summerlee
1999 Time at the Top Mr. Reynolds
1999 Promise Her Anything Jeremiah Putter
2003 Chasing Holden Dean Dewitt
2005 The Greatest Game Ever Played Lord Bullock
2006 300 Elder Councilman
2007 Driver's Test Furious Man Short film
2009 The Velveteen Rabbit Butler / Henry

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1986 Spearfield's Daughter Dr. Hynd TV miniseries
1986 Choices Jonathan TV film
1986 Barnum Lord in Waiting TV film
1986 C.A.T. Squad Sir Cyril Sharpe TV film
1987 Midnight Magic Dr. Rodes TV film
1988 Shades of Love: Tangerine Taxi Bookish Man TV film
1989 Day One Lord Rutherford TV film
1991 The Final Heist Mark Thomas TV film
1994 TekLords Judge TV film
1998 Out of Mind: The Stories of H. P. Lovecraft Henry Armitage TV film
1999–2001 The Lost World Professor Arthur Summerlee Main role (22 episodes); Guest role, episode "Man of Vision"
2002 Silent Night Old Fritz Vincken TV film
2004 11 Somerset Prof. Ramsey "Blood Red Sky"
2004–2006 Naked Josh Prof. Boronofsky Recurring role
2006 Bethune Dr. Martin TV miniseries
2009 Ring of Deceit Landlord TV film
2009 The Foundation Randolph James Selkirk Recurring role
2015 The Art of More Avery Swift "Whodunnit"

References

[edit]
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from Grokipedia
Michael Sinelnikoff (1 August 1928 – 1 July 2024) was a British-born Canadian , director, , and , renowned for his multifaceted contributions to theater, , and the performing arts, including his pivotal role as the first director of Quebec's international in 1984. Born in Marylebone, London, to Russian émigré parents Michel Sinelnikoff and Ludmilla Forester, he was the godson of the renowned violinist Jascha Heifetz and received his early dramatic training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Italia Conti Stage School before emigrating to Canada, where he further studied at Carleton University in Ottawa. Sinelnikoff's career spanned over six decades, beginning with work at the CBC in Halifax and evolving into significant behind-the-scenes achievements, such as producing and directing 68 television dramas for CBC Montreal's Teleplay series and writing episodes for the CBC/TV series Festival, including the drama "The Spirit of the Deed." In theater, he directed productions at prestigious venues like Montreal's Centaur Theatre, Saidye Bronfman Centre, and The Piggery Theatre, while his involvement with Cirque du Soleil helped establish its early international success through innovative direction for its inaugural touring production, Le Grand Tour. As an actor, he gained prominence for portraying Professor Arthur Summerlee in 23 episodes of the adventure series The Lost World (1999–2001), alongside notable film roles such as an elder councilman in 300 (2006) and appearances in The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) and Criminal Law (1989). Sinelnikoff spent his later years in with his life partner of 23 years, Pierre Morin, and passed away there at age 95, leaving a lasting legacy in Canadian .

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Michael Sinelnikoff was born on August 1, 1928, in , , . He was the son of Michel Sinelnikoff and Ludmilla Forester, well-connected émigrés from who met later in life after arriving in . Sinelnikoff's Russian heritage stemmed from his parents' origins, reflecting the wave of Russian immigration to Britain in the early following the . As the godson of the celebrated Russian-born violinist , he was immersed in artistic circles from infancy, with this familial tie providing early exposure to music and performance traditions. Sinelnikoff grew up in , navigating the cultural blend of his immigrant family's Russian roots within the diverse pre-World War II British environment. This period shaped his multicultural identity, influenced by the community's emphasis on languages and arts amid the interwar era's social and economic shifts.

Formal Education and Training

Sinelnikoff pursued his early dramatic training in at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he honed his skills in acting and performance. He also attended the Stage School, another esteemed institution focused on stage training for young performers. These programs provided a strong foundation in theatrical arts, emphasizing classical techniques and practical . In the early 1950s, following his move to , Sinelnikoff continued his education at in , broadening his academic horizons beyond the .

Career

Production and Directorial Work

Sinelnikoff dedicated over two decades to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), serving as a in Halifax before relocating to , where he focused on advancing English-language . In this role, he produced and directed 68 television dramas for CBC Montreal's Teleplay series, showcasing emerging Canadian talent and original scripts. Representative examples of his production work include the adaptation of George Salverson's "The Thing in the Cellar," a suspenseful that highlighted his commitment to literary adaptations. These efforts underscored his emphasis on culturally resonant storytelling within the constraints of production. Sinelnikoff also contributed to CBC's drama series as a , providing scripts that enriched the anthology's diverse of theatrical adaptations and original works. In 1984, he took on the position of the first Director of 's International , where he played a key role in organizing its inaugural international tour and establishing foundational production standards that supported the troupe's transition from street performances to a ensemble. His leadership helped secure government funding and logistical support, enabling the circus's debut shows across and laying the groundwork for its global expansion. Beyond television and circus, Sinelnikoff's directorial credits extended to other Canadian media projects, including productions for national broadcasters that promoted bilingual cultural content.

Acting Career

Although he initially focused on production and directing roles, his transition to gained momentum in the 1980s following his tenure as the first director of Quebec's in 1984. This shift leveraged his established industry connections in Canadian media, allowing him to secure initial acting opportunities during a period of expanding English-language film and television production in the country. His screen acting debut came in 1985 with the Canadian The Blue Man, marking the start of a career that spanned three decades until 2015. Early television appearances in the mid-1980s further established his presence, often in supporting roles that highlighted his distinctive British accent and versatile character work. As a British-born performer navigating the North American industry, Sinelnikoff faced the typical hurdles of and limited visibility for non-American accents, yet he achieved breakthroughs by capitalizing on the growing demand for international talent in Canadian co-productions and U.S. imports filmed in . Over the course of his tenure, Sinelnikoff appeared in over 30 film and television projects, contributing to both genre pieces and historical dramas while maintaining a base in . His career trajectory reflected the evolving landscape of Canadian , where his production background provided a unique edge in transitioning to on-camera work amid increasing cross-border collaborations.

Theater Contributions

Michael Sinelnikoff's theater contributions centered on Montreal's English-language scene, where he brought his trained stage presence to key venues amid Quebec's bilingual cultural landscape. Early in his career, he demonstrated his acting prowess by taking the lead role of Jimmy Porter in John Osborne's , a production by of Halifax at the 1962 Dominion Drama Festival in ; the play earned the Trophy for best direction, which Sinelnikoff shared as co-director with Evelyn Carbary. In the late 20th century, Sinelnikoff performed and contributed to productions at Montreal's Theatre and Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts (now the Segal Centre), institutions central to the city's theater vitality. At the , he co-directed Tom Stoppard's double bill of After Magritte and in the mid-1970s, enhancing the venue's reputation for innovative English-language staging. His involvement extended to the Saidye Bronfman, where he directed Clifford Odets's Awake and Sing! during the 1970–1971 season and Louis Saia's Single in 1983–1984, productions that underscored his commitment to socially resonant drama. Sinelnikoff's bilingual expertise—honed through his Canadian career—facilitated contributions to 's theater ecosystem, supporting English works in a predominantly French-speaking province and fostering cross-linguistic dialogue in the arts. Beyond , he directed productions at the Piggery Theatre in North Hatley, , a rural venue that nurtured emerging talent and hosted diverse productions through the 1970s and 1980s, impacting regional theater development. His efforts helped sustain and evolve 's theater scene during a period of cultural flux in late-20th-century .

Notable Roles and Legacy

Key Television Roles

Michael Sinelnikoff portrayed Professor Arthur Summerlee in the syndicated adventure series Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World, which aired from 1999 to 2002. As the elderly geologist and skeptic colleague to the bombastic Professor George Challenger, Summerlee provided a voice of reason and caution amid the group's perilous encounters with prehistoric creatures and lost civilizations on a mysterious plateau. His character arc spanned the first season, where he evolved from initial doubt about the expedition to a committed explorer, ultimately sacrificing himself in the season finale episode "The Gate" to save his companions, marking an emotional departure after 22 episodes as a series regular. Sinelnikoff reprised the role briefly as a ghostly vision in the third-season episode "A Man of Vision" in 2001, adding a poignant supernatural element to Summerlee's legacy within the narrative. Beyond this prominent series role, Sinelnikoff made notable guest appearances in other television productions that showcased his ability to embody sophisticated, intellectual figures. In the 2015 episode "Episode 1.4" of the drama series The Art of More, he played Avery Swift, a cultured navigating the high-stakes world, a part that aligned with his persona of refined, worldly characters often drawn from literary or historical contexts. Earlier in his career, Sinelnikoff contributed to Canadian television through acting in CBC productions, including dramatic teleplays where he took on supporting roles in period pieces and literary adaptations, reflecting his roots in Montreal's theater and scene. Sinelnikoff's television work, particularly his portrayal of Summerlee, received praise for bringing depth and gravitas to the ensemble, with critics noting his performance as a stabilizing to the show's fantastical elements and highlighting his distinctive British accent and commanding presence. While no major awards or nominations were specifically tied to his TV roles, his contributions to The Lost World were recognized in fan communities for enhancing the series' adventurous spirit and intellectual undertones, contributing to its over 66 episodes.

Key Film Roles

Sinelnikoff's early film work included supporting roles that integrated him into tense thriller narratives. In Criminal Law (1989), directed by Martin Campbell, he played Professor Clemens, a law academic who advises the ambitious attorney Ben Chase (Gary Oldman) as the latter grapples with defending a sculptor accused of murder, only to suspect his client's guilt amid a series of brutal killings. The character's involvement underscores the ethical conflicts central to the plot, where legal maneuvering blurs lines between justice and complicity. The film received mixed reviews, with a 30% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for Oldman's performance but critiqued for pacing. Similarly, in If Looks Could Kill (1991), a comedic spy thriller directed by William Dear, Sinelnikoff portrayed Haywood, a bureaucratic operative entangled in the chaos when high school student Michael Corben (Richard Grieco) is mistaken for a secret agent during a class trip to France. His character appears in key scenes coordinating covert operations, including a speakerphone exchange dismissing external aid, highlighting the film's satirical take on espionage tropes and identity mix-ups. The movie earned a 5.8/10 user rating on IMDb, appreciated for its lighthearted action but noted for uneven humor. Later in his career, Sinelnikoff took on roles in higher-profile productions that showcased his ability to embody authoritative figures in historical and biographical contexts. In (2005), directed by , he depicted Lord Bullock, a British aristocrat and official representing the elite establishment during the 1913 U.S. Open. The biographical drama chronicles underdog caddie Francis Ouimet's () improbable victory over champions like , with Bullock's character embodying class barriers and traditionalism that Ouimet challenges. The film, based on Mark Frost's book about the event that popularized in America, garnered a 62% critics' score on for its uplifting story and production values, though it underperformed at the box office with $15.5 million domestic gross. One of Sinelnikoff's most visible film appearances was as the Elder Councilman in (2006), Zack Snyder's stylized adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel depicting the in 480 BC, where King Leonidas () leads 300 Spartans against the Persian invasion. Sinelnikoff's character is part of the corrupt Spartan elder council, swayed by Persian emissaries' bribes to block Leonidas' mobilization during the religious festival, providing dramatic tension through political intrigue and moral contrast to the warriors' valor. Filming occurred primarily in , , utilizing extensive green-screen effects and a desaturated color palette to evoke the source material's aesthetic. The blockbuster achieved massive commercial success, grossing $456 million worldwide on a $65 million budget, and holds a 61% critics' score on for its visual spectacle despite criticisms of historical inaccuracies.

Impact and Recognition

Sinelnikoff's multifaceted career significantly influenced the development of English-language drama in , particularly through his extensive work as a and director for CBC Montreal's Teleplay series, where he helmed 68 television dramas over two decades, fostering emerging talent and innovative storytelling in the medium. His directorial contributions extended to Montreal's theater scene, including productions at Theatre and Saidye Bronfman Centre, which helped elevate local English-language stage works and bridged cultural divides in Quebec's bilingual arts landscape. As a member of the Montreal chapter of (now the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), Sinelnikoff was a dedicated advocate for performers' rights, championing fair working conditions and professional standards that supported the growth of the Canadian entertainment industry. His role as the first director of in 1984 played a pivotal part in establishing the troupe's international reputation, blending circus arts with theatrical innovation and contributing to Canada's global cultural export. These efforts underscored his commitment to multicultural representation in Canadian media, drawing from his own diverse heritage to promote inclusive narratives in television and stage productions. Sinelnikoff's mentorship profoundly shaped Montreal's acting community, where he served as a respected guiding young and directors with warmth and practical insight, influencing generations through workshops and personal encouragement. His legacy lies in seamlessly blending roles as , director, , and —exemplified by his script for the teleplay Spirit of the Deed and performances in films like The —creating a holistic model for artistic versatility that inspired interdisciplinary approaches in Canadian arts.

Personal Life and Death

Later Years and Residences

In his later years, Michael Sinelnikoff maintained a long-term residence in , , , where he had established his home following earlier professional moves within the country. Sinelnikoff's final acting credit came in 2015, portraying Avery Swift in an episode of the television series The Art of More. During this period, he remained connected to Montreal's arts community, engaging with admirers through personal correspondence that reflected his enduring warmth and insights into the . In terms of family life, Sinelnikoff shared a committed partnership with Pierre Morin for over two decades, a relationship that supported his creative pursuits in his home.

Death and Tributes

Michael Sinelnikoff passed away on July 1, 2024, in , , , at the age of 95. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed. Funeral arrangements were handled privately, with no public memorial events detailed in available announcements. Family and close friends issued a statement expressing profound sadness at his passing, highlighting his enduring warmth, talent, and contributions to the arts over decades. They particularly noted the unwavering support of his life partner, Pierre Morin, who served as his soulmate and caregiver for 23 years, providing boundless love especially in his final years.

Filmography

Film Roles

Sinelnikoff's feature film debut came in 1985 with The Blue Man (also known as Eternal Evil), where he portrayed William Duval, a supportive family figure entangled in supernatural occurrences, directed by George Mihalka and co-starring Winston Rekert and Karen Black. In 1988, he appeared in Criminal Law as Professor Clemens, a legal academic providing guidance in a tense courtroom thriller, under director Martin Campbell alongside Gary Oldman and Kevin Bacon. His 1989 role in Mindfield was as Judge, a judicial authority in a conspiracy-driven narrative, directed by Jean-Claude Lord and featuring . Sinelnikoff played Dr. R. Roberts in the 1990 Cursed, depicting a scientist involved in experimental research gone awry, directed by Mychel Arsenault with co-star . In 1991's L'empire des lumières, a short animated , he voiced Jean Thompson, contributing to the artistic exploration of light and perception, directed by Francois Aubry. That same year, in If Looks Could Kill, he took on the role of Haywood, a key operative in a comedic spy caper, directed by and starring and . In the 1991 drama The Quarrel, Sinelnikoff had a brief appearance as a , contributing to the story of estranged friends reconciling, directed by and co-starring and . In 1994's My Friend Max (Mon amie Max), he portrayed the Professeur du Conservatoire, a music instructor in a poignant about and identity, directed by Michel Brault and starring Marie Taillefer and Emmanuelle Chaulet. Also in 1994, Sinelnikoff appeared in Operation Golden Phoenix as , a guardian of artifacts in an action thriller involving international intrigue, directed by Brenton Spencer and starring . His 1995 role in (Voices from a Locked Room) was as Sir Charles Devlin, a figure in a mystery drama centered on a haunted estate, directed by Steve Gordon and featuring . Sinelnikoff returned to screens in 1999 with Time at the Top, as Mr. Reynolds, a supportive adult in a time-travel adventure for young audiences, directed by Jim Kaufman and starring . That year, in Promise Her Anything (also titled Nothing to Declare or Taxman), he portrayed Jeremiah Putter, a quirky local aiding in a small-town tax evasion scheme, directed by Alain Zaloum and featuring Billy Zane and Patrick Bergin. In 2003's Chasing Holden, he portrayed Dean Dewitt, the authoritative head of a preparatory school navigating student turmoil, directed by Malcolm Clarke with DJ Qualls and Rachel Blanchard. Sinelnikoff's role in 2005's The Greatest Game Ever Played was Lord Bullock, an aristocratic observer in a biographical golf drama, directed by Bill Paxton and starring Shia LaBeouf and Stephen Dillane. He appeared as an Elder Councilman in the 2006 epic 300, representing conservative Spartan leadership during wartime deliberations, directed by Zack Snyder with Gerard Butler and Lena Headey. Finally, in 2009's The Velveteen Rabbit, Sinelnikoff dual-roled as Butler and Henry, a caring household figure in a family-oriented adaptation blending live-action and animation, directed by Michael Landon Jr. and co-starring Jane Seymour and Tom Skerritt.

Television Roles

Michael Sinelnikoff began his television career in the mid-1980s with appearances in made-for-TV movies and guest spots on anthology and drama series, including the TV movie Day One (1989) as Lord Rutherford, followed by Choices (1986), C.A.T. Squad (1986), and Barnum (1986). In the same year as Choices, he made guest appearances on and . Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Sinelnikoff continued with guest roles on and horror series, including War of the Worlds (1988), Friday the 13th: The Series (1989), (1989), (1990), (1991), Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1993), Sirens (1994), and The Outer Limits (1995). He also appeared in the special Out of Mind: The Stories of (1998) as Henry Armitage. In 1998, Sinelnikoff guest-starred on Poltergeist: The Legacy, followed by The Hunger (1999). His most notable television role was as Professor Arthur Summerlee in the adventure series The Lost World (1999–2001), a recurring part spanning 23 episodes. Later guest appearances included Big Wolf on Campus (2001), Silent Night (2002 TV movie, voice), The Dead Zone (2002), 11 Somerset (2004), Naked Josh (2004–2006, recurring), The Collector (2005), Bethune (2006 miniseries), The Tudors (2007), The Foundation (2009, recurring), Being Erica (2009), the TV movie Ring of Deceit (2009), and The Art of More (2015).
YearTitleTypeRole/Notes
1986ChoicesTV MovieSupporting role
1986C.A.T. SquadTV MovieSupporting role
1986BarnumTV MovieSupporting role
1986The EqualizerTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1986The Twilight ZoneTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1988War of the WorldsTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1989Day OneTV MovieLord Rutherford
1989Friday the 13th: The SeriesTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1989The HitchhikerTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1990CounterstrikeTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1991Top CopsTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1993Are You Afraid of the Dark?TV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1994SirensTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1995The Outer LimitsTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1998Out of Mind: The Stories of H.P. LovecraftTV SpecialHenry Armitage
1998Poltergeist: The LegacyTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1999The HungerTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
1999–2001The Lost WorldTV SeriesProfessor Arthur Summerlee; recurring (23 episodes)
2001Big Wolf on CampusTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
2002Silent NightTV MovieOld Fritz Vincken (voice)
2002The Dead ZoneTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
200411 SomersetTV SeriesProf. Ramsey; guest appearance (1 episode)
2004–2006Naked JoshTV SeriesProf. Boronofsky; recurring (7 episodes)
2005The CollectorTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
2006BethuneTV MiniseriesDr. Martin (3 episodes)
2007The TudorsTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
2009Being EricaTV SeriesGuest appearance (1 episode)
2009Ring of DeceitTV MovieLandlord; supporting role
2009The FoundationTV SeriesRandolph James Selkirk; recurring (5 episodes)
2015The Art of MoreTV SeriesAvery Swift; guest appearance (Season 1, 1 episode)

References

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