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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
[edit]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
[edit]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]- ^ a b c "Michael Sinelnikoff". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2015. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
- ^ "Teleplay | History of Canadian Broadcasting". Archived from the original on 26 November 2022.
- ^ "Biography – Official Website I Michael Sinelnikoff.com". Archived from the original on 17 March 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2024.
- ^ "Michael Sinelnikoff (August 1, 1928 – July 1, 2024)". John Patrick Patti on Facebook. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "Michael Sinelnikoff". Les Gens du Cinema. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
External links
[edit]Michael Sinelnikoff
View on GrokipediaEarly Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Michael Sinelnikoff was born on August 1, 1928, in Marylebone, London, England.[4] He was the son of Michel Sinelnikoff and Ludmilla Forester, well-connected émigrés from Russia who met later in life after arriving in England.[1][6] Sinelnikoff's Russian heritage stemmed from his parents' origins, reflecting the wave of Russian immigration to Britain in the early 20th century following the Russian Revolution.[1] As the godson of the celebrated Russian-born violinist Jascha Heifetz, he was immersed in artistic circles from infancy, with this familial tie providing early exposure to music and performance traditions.[7] Sinelnikoff grew up in London, navigating the cultural blend of his immigrant family's Russian roots within the diverse pre-World War II British environment.[1] This period shaped his multicultural identity, influenced by the émigré community's emphasis on languages and arts amid the interwar era's social and economic shifts.[1]Formal Education and Training
Sinelnikoff pursued his early dramatic training in London at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he honed his skills in acting and performance. He also attended the Italia Conti 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 stagecraft.[1] In the early 1950s, following his move to Canada, Sinelnikoff continued his education at Carleton University in Ottawa, broadening his academic horizons beyond the performing arts.[1]Career
Production and Directorial Work
Sinelnikoff dedicated over two decades to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), serving as a producer in Halifax before relocating to Montreal, where he focused on advancing English-language drama. In this role, he produced and directed 68 television dramas for CBC Montreal's Teleplay series, showcasing emerging Canadian talent and original scripts.[1] Representative examples of his production work include the adaptation of George Salverson's "The Thing in the Cellar," a suspenseful drama that highlighted his commitment to literary adaptations.[8] These efforts underscored his emphasis on culturally resonant storytelling within the constraints of live television production. Sinelnikoff also contributed to CBC's Festival drama series as a writer, providing scripts that enriched the anthology's diverse repertoire of theatrical adaptations and original works.[9] In 1984, he took on the position of the first Director of Quebec's International Cirque du Soleil, 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 professional ensemble.[1] His leadership helped secure government funding and logistical support, enabling the circus's debut shows across Quebec and laying the groundwork for its global expansion.[1] Beyond television and circus, Sinelnikoff's directorial credits extended to other Canadian media projects, including productions for national broadcasters that promoted bilingual cultural content.[2]Acting Career
Although he initially focused on production and directing roles, his transition to acting gained momentum in the 1980s following his tenure as the first director of Quebec's Cirque du Soleil 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.[1] His screen acting debut came in 1985 with the Canadian horror film The Blue Man, marking the start of a career that spanned three decades until 2015.[5] 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 typecasting 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 Canada.[2] Over the course of his acting tenure, Sinelnikoff appeared in over 30 film and television projects, contributing to both genre pieces and historical dramas while maintaining a base in Montreal. His career trajectory reflected the evolving landscape of Canadian screen media, where his production background provided a unique edge in transitioning to on-camera work amid increasing cross-border collaborations.[5]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 Look Back in Anger, a production by the Travelling Players of Halifax at the 1962 Dominion Drama Festival in Winnipeg; the play earned the Louis Jouvet Trophy for best direction, which Sinelnikoff shared as co-director with Evelyn Carbary.[10] In the late 20th century, Sinelnikoff performed and contributed to productions at Montreal's Centaur Theatre and Saidye Bronfman Centre for the Arts (now the Segal Centre), institutions central to the city's theater vitality. At the Centaur, he co-directed Tom Stoppard's double bill of After Magritte and The Real Inspector Hound in the mid-1970s, enhancing the venue's reputation for innovative English-language staging.[11] 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.[12] Sinelnikoff's bilingual expertise—honed through his Canadian career—facilitated contributions to Quebec's theater ecosystem, supporting English works in a predominantly French-speaking province and fostering cross-linguistic dialogue in the arts. Beyond Montreal, he directed productions at the Piggery Theatre in North Hatley, Quebec, a rural venue that nurtured emerging talent and hosted diverse productions through the 1970s and 1980s, impacting regional theater development.[1][13][2] His efforts helped sustain and evolve Montreal's theater scene during a period of cultural flux in late-20th-century Quebec.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.[14] 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 art dealer navigating the high-stakes auction 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 broadcasting scene.[15] 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 counterpoint to the show's fantastical elements and highlighting his distinctive British accent and commanding presence.[16] 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 cult following 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.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19][20] The movie earned a 5.8/10 user rating on IMDb, appreciated for its lighthearted action but noted for uneven humor.[21] 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 The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005), directed by Bill Paxton, he depicted Lord Bullock, a British aristocrat and golf club official representing the elite establishment during the 1913 U.S. Open. The biographical drama chronicles underdog caddie Francis Ouimet's (Shia LaBeouf) improbable victory over champions like Harry Vardon, with Bullock's character embodying class barriers and traditionalism that Ouimet challenges.[22] The film, based on Mark Frost's book about the event that popularized golf in America, garnered a 62% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes for its uplifting story and production values, though it underperformed at the box office with $15.5 million domestic gross.[23] One of Sinelnikoff's most visible film appearances was as the Elder Councilman in 300 (2006), Zack Snyder's stylized adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel depicting the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) 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 Carneia festival, providing dramatic tension through political intrigue and moral contrast to the warriors' valor.[24][25] Filming occurred primarily in Montreal, Quebec, 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 Rotten Tomatoes for its visual spectacle despite criticisms of historical inaccuracies.[26][27]Impact and Recognition
Sinelnikoff's multifaceted career significantly influenced the development of English-language drama in Canada, particularly through his extensive work as a producer 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.[1] His directorial contributions extended to Montreal's theater scene, including productions at the Centaur Theatre and Saidye Bronfman Centre, which helped elevate local English-language stage works and bridged cultural divides in Quebec's bilingual arts landscape.[1] As a member of the Montreal chapter of ACTRA (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.[1] His role as the first director of Cirque du Soleil 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.[1] 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 teacher guiding young actors and directors with warmth and practical insight, influencing generations through workshops and personal encouragement.[1] His legacy lies in seamlessly blending roles as actor, director, producer, and writer—exemplified by his script for the teleplay Spirit of the Deed and performances in films like The Lost World—creating a holistic model for artistic versatility that inspired interdisciplinary approaches in Canadian arts.[1]Personal Life and Death
Later Years and Residences
In his later years, Michael Sinelnikoff maintained a long-term residence in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he had established his home following earlier professional moves within the country.[1] Sinelnikoff's final acting credit came in 2015, portraying Avery Swift in an episode of the television series The Art of More.[28][2] 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 performing arts.[1] 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 Montreal home.[1]Death and Tributes
Michael Sinelnikoff passed away on July 1, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 95.[1][4][2] The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed.[1][4][7] Funeral arrangements were handled privately, with no public memorial events detailed in available announcements.[1][4] 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.[1] 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.[1][4]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.[29] 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.[30] His 1989 role in Mindfield was as Judge, a judicial authority in a conspiracy-driven narrative, directed by Jean-Claude Lord and featuring Michael Ironside.[31] Sinelnikoff played Dr. R. Roberts in the 1990 horror film Cursed, depicting a scientist involved in experimental research gone awry, directed by Mychel Arsenault with co-star Ron Lea.[32] In 1991's L'empire des lumières, a short animated film, he voiced Jean Thompson, contributing to the artistic exploration of light and perception, directed by Francois Aubry.[33] 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 William Dear and starring Richard Grieco and Linda Hunt.[21] In the 1991 drama The Quarrel, Sinelnikoff had a brief appearance as a Hospital Patient, contributing to the story of estranged friends reconciling, directed by Eli Cohen and co-starring Saul Rubinek and Robert Joy.[34] In 1994's My Friend Max (Mon amie Max), he portrayed the Professeur du Conservatoire, a music instructor in a poignant drama about friendship and identity, directed by Michel Brault and starring Marie Taillefer and Emmanuelle Chaulet.[35] Also in 1994, Sinelnikoff appeared in Operation Golden Phoenix as Curator, a guardian of artifacts in an action thriller involving international intrigue, directed by Brenton Spencer and starring Loren Avedon.[36] His 1995 role in Voices (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 Tushka Bergen.[37] 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 Elisha Cuthbert.[38] 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.[39] 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.[40] 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.[41] 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.[42] 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.[43]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).[5][44] In the same year as Choices, he made guest appearances on The Equalizer and The Twilight Zone.[45] Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Sinelnikoff continued with guest roles on science fiction and horror series, including War of the Worlds (1988), Friday the 13th: The Series (1989), The Hitchhiker (1989), Counterstrike (1990), Top Cops (1991), Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1993), Sirens (1994), and The Outer Limits (1995).[45] He also appeared in the TV special Out of Mind: The Stories of H.P. Lovecraft (1998) as Henry Armitage. In 1998, Sinelnikoff guest-starred on Poltergeist: The Legacy, followed by The Hunger (1999).[45] 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.[2] 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).[45][46][5]| Year | Title | Type | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Choices | TV Movie | Supporting role |
| 1986 | C.A.T. Squad | TV Movie | Supporting role |
| 1986 | Barnum | TV Movie | Supporting role |
| 1986 | The Equalizer | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1986 | The Twilight Zone | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1988 | War of the Worlds | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1989 | Day One | TV Movie | Lord Rutherford |
| 1989 | Friday the 13th: The Series | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1989 | The Hitchhiker | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1990 | Counterstrike | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1991 | Top Cops | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1993 | Are You Afraid of the Dark? | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1994 | Sirens | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1995 | The Outer Limits | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1998 | Out of Mind: The Stories of H.P. Lovecraft | TV Special | Henry Armitage |
| 1998 | Poltergeist: The Legacy | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1999 | The Hunger | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 1999–2001 | The Lost World | TV Series | Professor Arthur Summerlee; recurring (23 episodes) |
| 2001 | Big Wolf on Campus | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2002 | Silent Night | TV Movie | Old Fritz Vincken (voice) |
| 2002 | The Dead Zone | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2004 | 11 Somerset | TV Series | Prof. Ramsey; guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2004–2006 | Naked Josh | TV Series | Prof. Boronofsky; recurring (7 episodes) |
| 2005 | The Collector | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2006 | Bethune | TV Miniseries | Dr. Martin (3 episodes) |
| 2007 | The Tudors | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2009 | Being Erica | TV Series | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2009 | Ring of Deceit | TV Movie | Landlord; supporting role |
| 2009 | The Foundation | TV Series | Randolph James Selkirk; recurring (5 episodes) |
| 2015 | The Art of More | TV Series | Avery Swift; guest appearance (Season 1, 1 episode) |
