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Nicholas Bell
Nicholas Bell
Nicholas Bell
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Nicholas Bell is an English actor who has worked mostly in Australia.[1]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Nicholas Bell was born in Huddersfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Bell has worked regularly with the Melbourne Theatre Company as well as with all the major television broadcasters in Australia, most notably the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.[citation needed] In addition to his work in film and television, Bell has recorded many audiobooks with Bolinda, a company based in Melbourne.[2]

In 2001, he accepted on behalf of the cast and crew of the Australian comedy series The Games the TV Week Logie Award for Most Outstanding Comedy Program.[3]

In 2023, Bell appeared in the Stan series Scrublands,[4] as well as the Tasmanian drama series Bay of Fires.[5]

Also in 2023, Bell was named in the extended cast of the Foxtel/Binge series High Country.[6]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Father Paul Jamieson
Hunting Piggott
1993 Gross Misconduct Det. Matthews
1994 Paperback Romance Sophie's Doctor
1995 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie Zordon
Hotel Sorrento Edwin
1996 Shine Ben Rosen
1998 Dead Letter Office Kevin
Dark City Mr. Rain
1999 The Craic Derek Johnson
2000 The Dish TV Scientist Uncredited
Mission: Impossible 2 McCloy's Accountant
2003 Take Away Squire
Bad Eggs Detective Wicks
Ned Kelly Richard Cook
2005 The Great Raid Duke
2006 Charlotte's Web Church Minister
The Caterpillar Wish Father Caleb
Opal Dream Judge McNulty
2007 Noise Snr. Det. Noel Burchall
2009 Prey Bill
2010 Don't Be Afraid of the Dark Psychiatrist
I Love You Too Alice's Dad
2011 Taj Tony
2012 Dangerous Remedy Dr. Troup
Crawlspace Caesar
Kath & Kimderella Priest
2014 I, Frankenstein Carl Avery
2022 Elvis Senator James Eastland

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
1962 Dixon of Dock Green Billy Episode: "Cash and Carry"
1963 Walter and Connie William Episode: "Walter and Connie in the Country"
1981 Strangers Roger Wood Episode: "Soldiers of Misfortune"
My Father's House Ray 2 episodes
1982 The Agatha Christie Hour Jeremy Episode: "The Manhood of Edward Robinson"
1987 Inspector Morse Dr. Swain Episode: "The Wolvergate Tongue"
Walter Dixon's Wombat Frank Television film
1988 Tickets for the Titanic Canvasser Episode: "Everyone a Winner"
1989 Mission: Impossible Braun Episode: "Command Performance"
1990 Skirts Gary Block 40 episodes
More Winners: Boy Soldiers Commandant Television film
1991 Neighbours Martin Tyrell 5 episodes
1992–1993 The New Adventures of Black Beauty Weeks Season 2, 23 episodes
1993 RFDS John Episode: "Cave-In"
1994 Sky Trackers Dan Episode: "Rocket to Me"
1994–1997 Ocean Girl Dr. Hellegen 41 episodes
1995 Correlli Holland Episode: "Lock-Down"
Frontline Mike Moore's Doctor Episode: "Heroes and Villains"
The Feds: Deception Stephen Garrard Television film
1995–2003 Blue Heelers Various 5 episodes
1996 One West Waikiki George Episode: "The South Seas Connection"
1997 State Coroner Provis Episode: "Start With a Bang"
Good Guys, Bad Guys Dennis Episode: "Bloody Nosy"
1997–1998 Raw FM Neil Mulholland 4 episodes
1998 Driven Crazy Principal Episode: "Love Bug"
The Genie from Down Under 2 Nigel Huntly 2 episodes
Chameleon Cam's Controller Television film
1998–2000 The Games Nicholas 21 episodes
1998–2001 Stingers Bill Hollister 27 episodes
1999 Halifax f.p. Barry Episode: "Swimming with Sharks"
2000 Tales of the South Seas The Major Episode: "The Assassin"
The Magicians Thompson Television film
2001 The Micallef P(r)ogram(me) Greg / Guildford Four 2 episodes
The Lost World Edgar Gray Episode: "The Outlaw"
Abschied in den Tod Archie Television film
2002 MDA Oliver Maudson 2 episodes
Something in the Air Michael Fox 5 episodes
2003 Crashburn Clive Episode: "The Treeman Show"
Kath & Kim Airline Rep Episode: "The Moon"
2004 Salem's Lot Frank TV miniseries, 1 episode
Am Hap der Liebe Jonathan Television film
2005 The Secret Life of Us Marc Season 4, 3 episodes
The Surgeon Julian Sierson 8 episodes
Holly's Heroes Mr. Crawford Episode: "Double Team"
Scooter: Secret Agent Stepford Episode: "Operation: Replication"
Life William Burton Television film
Attack of Sabretooth Niles
2006 Tripping Over James Frost 5 episodes
Real Stories Gordon 1 episode
Nightmares and Dreamscapes Health Official Episode: "The End of the Whole Mess"
Wicked Science Virgil Episode: "Meet the Parents"
2007 The Librarians Barrister Episode: "And Nothing But the Truth"
2007–2008 Satisfaction Alexander Season 1, 8 episodes
2008 Underbelly Colin Episode: "Underbelly"
Monash: The Forgotten Anzac General Rawlinson Television film
2012 Rake John Garden Episode: "Rake vs Alford"
Conspiracy 365 Rathbone 4 episodes
Lowdown Jeremy Bristol Episode: "Pretty Pollie"
Howzat! Kerry Packer's War Clive Bell 2 episodes
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries Murdoch Foyle 5 episodes
Tangle Sean Roscoe
Australia on Trial George Episode: "Massacre at Myall Creek"
Jack Irish Bad Debts Martin Scullin Television film
2007–2008 Newstopia Various 30 episodes
All Saints Oliver Maroney 9 episodes
2007–2009 City Homicide Gordon / Mark 2 episodes
2009 Dirt Game Nigel Hay 6 episodes
2010 Sleuth 101 Ern / Ian 2 episodes
2011 Rush Brett Cohen
Sea Patrol Jack Episode: "Lifeline"
Killing Time Rod Conroy 1 episode
2013 Serangoon Road Maxwell Black 3 episodes [7]
Power Games: The Packer–Murdoch War Rupert Henderson 1 episode
Upper Middle Bogan French Man Episode: "Forefathers and Two Mothers"
The Doctor Blake Mysteries Robert Waterman Episode: "Game of Champions"
2013–2018 Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell Various 15 episodes
2014 ANZAC Girls General William Birdwood Episode: "Courage"
The Time of our Lives Caroline's Lawyer Episode: "The Negoitation"
Parer's War Bob Hawes Television film [8]
2015 Childhood's End Major General Cal Episode: "The Overlords"
2015–2016 Winners & Losers Keith Maxwell 5 episodes
2015–2017 The Ex-PM Sonny 12 episodes [9]
2016 Wentworth Dr. Foster Episode: "Prisoner"
2016–2017 Wanted Ray Stanton 10 episodes
2017 Seven Types of Ambiguity Gorman 2 episodes
2018 A Place to Call Home Neil Burton 3 episodes
True Story with Hamish & Andy Brother Davies Episode: "Jeremy" [10]
Underbelly Files: Chopper Detective Damian Bugg Part II
2018–2021 The Bureau of Magical Things Sean Regan 19 episodes [11]
2019 Secret Bridesmaids' Business Bill Cotterill 6 episodes [12]
2021 Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries Announcer 2 episodes
How to Stay Married Brian
2022 Shantaram Professor Carr
Thai Cave Rescue Vern Unsworth Episode: "To Not Offend Gods" [13]
2023 Scrublands Max Fuller 3 episodes
Queen of Oz Michael Grayston Episode: "There's a New Queen in Town" [14]
2023–present Bay of Fires Graham 7 episodes
2024 High Country Senior Sergeant Cripps 3 episodes
2025 Mystery Road: Origin Garry 6 episodes [15]
2025 Imposter Bill Naylor TV series: 2 episodes

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Company
Voice of the Prairie Barney Soho Poly Theatre
Blood, Swear and Tears Cooper
An Ideal Husband
Lady Windermere's Fan
Piaf York Theatre Royal
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole
1983 See How They Run! Intruder
Cider with Rosie Jack
1983 Having a Ball Anestecista
Once a Catholic Cuthbert
Relatively Speaking Gordon
Breezeblock Park John-John
Hamlet Rosencrantz
1985 Hamlet Sailor 2 Barbican Theatre with Royal Shakespeare Company
1985–96 Richard III Earl of Surrey / Lord Grey Royal Shakespeare Company & Australian tour
1985 Henry V Soldado Barbican Theatre with Royal Shakespeare Company
Rattle of a Simple Man Rick Civic Theatre
Equus
Pinnochio Harlequin
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Charlie Brown
What the Butler Saw Nick
Dangerous Corner Gordon
Romeo and Juliet Romeo
Red Noses Mistral Barbican Theatre with Royal Shakespeare Company
Love's Labours Lost Villager
1986 Richard III Festival Theatre, Adelaide, State Theatre, Melbourne, Lyric Theatre, QPAC
1991 Bouncers Eric Universal Two
1992 Twelfth Night Sir Toby Belch Adelaide Botanic Gardens
1993; 1994 A Midsummer Night's Dream Bottom Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
1997 After Dinner Gordon Fairfax Studio with Melbourne Theatre Company
2004 The Memory of Water Frank Space 28 with Melbourne Theatre Company
2006 The Dumb Show Greg Melbourne Theatre Company
Festen Lars Fairfax Studio with Melbourne Theatre Company
2007 Enlightenment Nick
2008 The Winterling Len West Red Stitch Actors Theatre
The Great Arzobispo / Orlo Sydney Theatre Company
The Hypocrite Cleante Playhouse, Melbourne with Melbourne Theatre Company
2009 Tender Southbank Theatre with Melbourne Theatre Company
2010 Madagascar Nathan Fairfax Studio with Melbourne Theatre Company
Richard III King Edward IV / Stanley Southbank Theatre with Melbourne Theatre Company
2012 8 - The Play Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, Sydney Town Hall
Promises, Promises State Theatre, Melbourne
2013 War Horse Uncle Arthur State Theatre, Melbourne, Sydney Lyric Theatre, Lyric Theatre QPAC, The National Theatre of GB with Global Creatures
2014 The Speechmaker White House Chief of Staff Bob Playhouse, Melbourne with Melbourne Theatre Company
2015 Wet House Dinger Red Stitch Actors Theatre
Dreamers Fortyfivedownstairs
2015–16 North by Northwest The Newsreader Playhouse, Melbourne, State Theatre, Melbourne with Melbourne Theatre Company
2018 The Newsreader & various roles Festival Theatre, Adelaide, Lyric Theatre QPAC
The Architect John Stafford Melbourne Theatre Company
2019 The Lady in the Van Underwood / Leo Fairchild / Doctor
Golden Shield Judge Durham Southbank Theatre with Melbourne Theatre Company
2022 North by Northwest The Newsreader & various roles Sydney Lyric Theatre
Into the Woods Jack Laycock St Theatre[16]

[17]

Audiobooks

[edit]
  • Reader of Murder at the Nineteenth by J. M. Gregson, 2001
  • Reader of the part of Julian in Us by Richard Mason, 2005
  • Reader of In the Evil Day by Peter Temple, 2008
  • Reader of The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville, 2008
  • Reader of Hurry Up and Meditate by David Michie, 2008
  • Reader of John by Niall Williams, 2008
  • Reader of Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI, 2008
  • Reader of Walking Ollie by Stephen Foster, 2008
  • Reader of Buddhism for Busy People: Finding Happiness in an Uncertain World by David Michie, 2008
  • Reader of Along Came Dylan by Stephen Foster, 2008
  • Reader of The Leader's Way by the Dalai Lama and Laurens van den Muyzenberg, 2009
  • Reader of Barack Obama: The Movement for Change by Anthony Painter, 2009
  • Reader of Think! Before It's Too Late by Edward de Bono, 2010

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nicholas Bell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nicholas Bell (born 15 August 1958) is an English renowned for his extensive in Australian , , and spanning over four decades. Based in since the , he has become a prominent figure in the local entertainment industry, regularly collaborating with the Company and major broadcasters such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). With more than 70 acting credits to his name, Bell has appeared in notable international films including Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), Dark City (1998), and I, (2014), often portraying authoritative or supporting characters. His television work includes roles in popular series like (1995) and various ABC productions, showcasing his versatility across genres from action to drama. Beyond screen acting, Bell has a strong stage presence, contributing to numerous theatrical productions in , and has narrated over a dozen audiobooks for Bolinda Publishing, including titles such as Jesus of Nazareth by and The Leader’s Way by the . His enduring contributions have solidified his status as a key talent in Australian .

Early life and education

Birth and upbringing

Nicholas Bell was born on 15 August 1958 in , , . He was raised in this northern industrial town, known for its heritage and working-class communities, as part of an family. Public information regarding his parents and any siblings remains limited, with no detailed accounts available from verified sources. Bell's early years were spent in the environment, which provided a backdrop of regional cultural traditions, though specific childhood experiences influencing his later interests are not well-documented.

Education and training

Nicholas Bell spent his childhood and adolescence in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, where he attended local schools. Prior to relocating to Australia in the 1990s, he gained early acting experience in the UK, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in productions including Richard III, Hamlet, and Henry V, as well as in repertory seasons at Basingstoke, Oxford, Chesterfield, and York.

Career

Theatre work

Nicholas Bell's theatre career commenced in the United Kingdom with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) during the 1980s, where he contributed to ensemble casts in several canonical Shakespeare productions. In Ron Daniels' staging of Hamlet (1984–1985) at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Barbican, Bell portrayed Sailor 2, supporting the central narrative of intrigue and tragedy. He followed this with roles as Earl of Surrey and Lord Grey in Bill Alexander's Richard III (1985–1986), a production that toured internationally, including to Australia, highlighting Bell's early command of historical drama and courtly dynamics. Additional RSC credits from this period included the Forester in Love's Labour's Lost (directed by Barry Kyle) and Bigod in Red Noses (directed by Terry Hands), underscoring his versatility in both Shakespearean verse and contemporary ensemble pieces. Following his first appearance in Australia during the Royal Shakespeare Company's international tour of Richard III in the mid-1980s, Bell relocated permanently to in the 1990s, transitioning to a prominent role in the country's theatre scene, becoming a regular performer with leading companies such as the Theatre Company (MTC) and (STC). His Australian debut aligned with the Richard III tour, which catalyzed opportunities in local productions and allowed him to adapt his classical training to diverse repertoires. Over the subsequent decades, Bell's work with MTC exemplified his evolution as an actor, blending Shakespearean rigor with modern narratives; notable examples include King Edward and Stanley in Simon Phillips' Richard III (2009), Cleante in Peter Evans' The Hypocrite (2011), and Lars in Phillips' Festen (2006). These roles demonstrated his skill in portraying complex characters within intimate ensemble settings, often emphasizing psychological depth and relational tensions. A standout production in Bell's Australian tenure was his portrayal of Uncle Arthur in the MTC presentation of War Horse (2013), a co-production with the National Theatre of and Global Creatures, where he grounded the family dynamics amid the spectacle of puppetry and backdrop. This performance showcased his ability to balance emotional restraint with the production's epic scale, contributing to its critical and commercial success during its Melbourne and Sydney runs. Bell's ongoing commitment to MTC continued into later years, with roles such as Underwood/Leo in Dean Bryant's (2017), Nathan in Sam Strong's (2017), and John Stafford in Peter Houghton's The Architect (2018), reflecting his adeptness at character-driven contemporary works. Post-2020, Bell reprised his ensemble role in the Australian tour of Simon Phillips' (2021 revival), navigating the challenges of pandemic-era theatre to deliver a nuanced performance in this Hitchcock-inspired thriller. His contributions to Australian theatre, spanning classical revivals and new plays, have solidified his reputation for ensemble reliability and interpretive depth, bridging British traditions with local storytelling innovations. With STC, he appeared in Peter Evans' The Great Orlo, further illustrating his range in experimental works.

Film roles

Nicholas Bell's breakthrough in film came with his role as Ben Rosen, a compassionate music teacher who recognizes the young David Helfgott's talent in the biographical drama Shine (1996), directed by Scott Hicks. This performance marked his entry into international cinema, contributing to the film's Academy Award wins for and Best Original Score. Bell expanded into Hollywood-adjacent productions with supporting roles in science fiction and action genres. In Dark City (1998), directed by , he played Mr. Rain, one of the enigmatic Strangers manipulating the dystopian world, adding to the film's cult status for its noir influences and visual effects. Two years later, in John Woo's Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), Bell portrayed McCloy's Accountant, a corporate figure entangled in the plot, showcasing his ability to embody precise, understated professionals in high-stakes blockbusters.#tab=cast) In Australian cinema, Bell has delivered notable performances across drama and thriller genres. He appeared as Father Caleb, a supportive in the family-oriented The Caterpillar Wish (2006), directed by Sandra Sciberras, which explored themes of loss and in rural life. In Matthew Saville's (2007), a tense thriller inspired by real events, Bell played Senior Detective Noel Birchall, a veteran investigator navigating personal and professional turmoil amid Melbourne's gangland wars. More recently, in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis (2022), Bell depicted Senator , the segregationist politician opposing Elvis Presley's rise, highlighting historical tensions in the biopic's narrative. Throughout his film career, Bell's characters often embody authority figures—such as detectives, senators, and religious leaders—or everyday professionals like teachers and accountants, spanning genres from intimate dramas to sci-fi thrillers. His theatre background, honed in productions with the Theatre Company, informs this versatile approach, emphasizing nuanced emotional depth in supporting roles.

Television roles

Bell's television career gained momentum in the late 1990s with his portrayal of Nicholas Gray, the beleaguered Secretary to the Minister for Sport, in the ABC satirical series The Games (1998–2000), a role that highlighted bureaucratic absurdities surrounding the Olympics organization and contributed to the show's critical acclaim, including a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Comedy Program. Earlier, he appeared in the 1995 film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie as Zordon, providing a physical presence for the wise mentor character in the popular action series. In recent years, Bell has maintained a strong presence in Australian drama series, including his depiction of Senior Sergeant Cripps in the Foxtel/Binge crime thriller High Country (2024), where he played a key investigative figure in a rural mystery. He also portrayed Max Fuller, a complex local in a small-town scandal, in the Stan adaptation Scrublands (2023). Additionally, Bell appeared as Graham, a community member entangled in witness protection intrigue, in seven episodes of the ABC series Bay of Fires (2023), and as Garry in Mystery Road: Origin (2022), a prequel exploring Indigenous detective narratives on ABC/BBC. He also appeared as Professor Carr in the Apple TV+ series Shantaram (2022) and as Michael Grayston in the BBC/ABC comedy Queen of Oz (2023). Bell has frequently collaborated with major Australian networks, including recurring and guest appearances that showcase his versatility in dramatic roles; notable examples include Ray Stanton, a in the Seven Network's fugitive drama Wanted (2016–2018), spanning 10 episodes across two seasons, and Brian in the Network 10 comedy (2018–2021).

Audiobook narration

Nicholas Bell has maintained a long-term with Bolinda Publishing, an Australian-based audio production company, narrating numerous since the early 2000s. His work with Bolinda encompasses a wide range of genres, including , , and fiction, often featuring contemporary authors and classic titles adapted for audio formats. Among his notable narrations are several works by philosopher , such as The Art of Travel (2003), where Bell's crisp British accent conveys the author's introspective tone with authority and warmth. Other examples include David Michie's Hurry Up and Meditate (2008), a guide to delivered in Bell's measured, engaging style, and Kate Atkinson's Started Early, Took My Dog (2010), a crime novel benefiting from his versatile character voicing. These recordings highlight Bell's distinctive Yorkshire-influenced British delivery, which adds a layer of trustworthiness to and emotional depth to narratives. Bell's audiobook narration complements his broader acting career by leveraging voice techniques honed in theatre and television, allowing him to create immersive audio experiences without visual elements. His style has evolved from dramatic, theatre-inspired readings in earlier works to more accessible interpretations suited for diverse listeners, emphasizing clarity and pacing for long-form audio consumption. In recognition of his audio contributions, Bell was a finalist for the 2009 Audie Award in the Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction category for narrating Niall Williams's John, produced by Bolinda Audio, underscoring the high quality of his performances in the audiobook industry.

Awards and nominations

Logie Awards

The TV Week , often simply referred to as the Logies, serve as Australia's premier television honors, annually recognizing outstanding achievements in programming, performances, and industry contributions since 1959. Nicholas Bell's primary recognition at the Logies occurred in 2001, when The Games won the award for Most Outstanding Comedy Program. Bell accepted the honor on behalf of the entire cast and crew during the 43rd annual ceremony, held on April 22 at Crown Casino in and broadcast live on the . This victory underscored Bell's ensemble contributions to the satirical series The Games, which lampooned the organization of the Sydney Olympics, and represented a career highlight in his comedic television work. No other Logie nominations for Bell in supporting or dramatic roles have been recorded.

Other recognitions

In 2001, Bell received a nomination from the Australian Film Institute for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Television Drama Series for his performance in The Games. Bell earned the Best Actor Award at the 2011 International for his role in the .

References

  1. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/15340-nicholas-bell
  2. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/152266/nicholas-bell/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068431/
  4. https://libertyartistmgt.com.au/actor/nicholas-bell/
  5. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/59987-hamlet-at-the-royal-shakespeare-theatre-and-others-september-5-1984-1985
  6. https://cdn.showcast.com.au/actor-pdfs/f1f80616-02de-45ce-b337-096f9c488714.pdf
  7. https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/war-horse-cast-announced-rehearsals-commence
  8. https://www.aussietheatre.com.au/features/nicholas-bell-chats-to-us-about-returning-to-north-by-northwest-after-covid/
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117631/fullcredits/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118929/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0809931/fullcredits/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/23/movies/elvis-review.html
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113820/characters/nm0068431/
  14. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/15340-nicholas-bell?language=en-US
  15. https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Nicholas%2BBell
  16. https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/listing/?Author=Alain%2Bde%2520Botton
  17. https://www.audible.com/pd/Hurry-Up-and-Meditate-Audiobook/B002V8MTZ8
  18. http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-started-early-took-my-dog-kate.html
  19. https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/publishers/bolinda-audio/
  20. https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/nine-shines-with-six-awards-at-the-65th-tv-week-logie-awards/
  21. https://alldownunder.com/australian-logie/2001-tv-logie-awards.htm
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281250/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068431/awards/
  24. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/bell-nicholas
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