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Richard Morant
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Richard Morant (30 October 1945 – 9 November 2011) was an English actor.
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Morant was born in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire.[1][circular reference] His father was Shakespearean actor Philip Morant (1909–1993).[2][3][4] His sister is actress Angela Morant. He was also a nephew of actors Bill and Linden Travers, and a cousin of actress Penelope Wilton.[5] He trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama before joining the Prospect Theatre Company, and touring with Ian McKellen in Richard II, Edward II and Twelfth Night.[6]
Morant had a long television and theatrical career, first as Flashman in a BBC adaptation of the Thomas Hughes novel, Tom Brown's Schooldays (1971), and a starring role in Thames Television's Armchair Theatre play Verité (1972) and a regular role as Dr Dwight Enys in the BBC series Poldark (1975).[7][8]
Morant also appeared in several BBC serials, including adaptations of Walter Scott's Woodstock (1973), as the future Charles II, and The Talisman (1980), as Conrade of Montserrat.[7]
He played Maximilien Robespierre in The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982), and the titular character in the second series of the children's programme Captain Zep - Space Detective. He later played Mervyn Bunter, the valet of Lord Peter Wimsey, in A Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery, the BBC's 1987 productions of Strong Poison, Have His Carcase and Gaudy Night (all based on Dorothy Sayers's original novels).[9][10] In 1988 he played Theodore Dyke Acland in the serial Jack the Ripper.[11]
His film roles included Zeppelin (1971), Mahler (1974), The Company of Wolves (1984), The Second Victory (1986), Scandal (1989) and Janice Beard (1999).[12]
His stage appearances included a starring role in Noël Coward's Private Lives at the Theatre Royal, Bath in 1984.[13] The following year he co-starred with Stephanie Beacham and Pam Ferris in ITV's rag-trade soap drama, Connie.[14] He also did voice-over, radio, and audio book work including voicing books by Julian Barnes and Julian Fellowes.[15]
Personal life
[edit]Morant's first wife was Melissa Fairbanks, a daughter of Douglas Fairbanks Jr., with whom he had a son and daughter. His second wife was Valerie Buchanan, with whom he had another son and daughter.[4]
He had a sideline as a dealer in Asian carpets and textiles, including running his own gallery in Notting Hill.[6] In 2005 he became the sole owner of an established company specialising in carpets and fine textiles,[16] headquartered in Notting Hill, London. After suffering a short illness, Morant died suddenly of an aneurysm[7] on 9 November 2011, aged 66.[17]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Battle of Britain | Replacement Pilot - Red Section 'Red 2' | Uncredited |
| 1971 | Zeppelin | Billy Chisholm | Uncredited |
| 1974 | Mahler | Max | |
| 1974 | The Protectors - Episode The Bridge | David Mitchell | TV series |
| 1975 | Hijack! | Colin | |
| 1975 | Poldark | Dr Dwight Enys | TV movie |
| 1977 | The Hunchback of Notre Dame | Phoebus | TV movie |
| 1980 | The Merchant of Venice | Lorenzo | TV movie |
| 1982 | The Scarlet Pimpernel | Maximilien Robespierre | |
| 1982 | The Agatha Christie Hour | Dermot West | "The Red Signal" |
| 1983 | On the Third Day | Jeremy Bolt | |
| 1984 | The Company of Wolves | Wealthy Groom | |
| 1985 | The Last Place on Earth | Lawrence Oates | |
| 1987 | The Second Victory | Capt. Johnson | |
| 1989 | Scandal | D'Lazlo | |
| 1999 | Janice Beard | Boss | |
| 2006 | Day Night Day Night | Flirt | Final film role |
References
[edit]- ^ III, Harris M. Lentz (10 January 2014). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2011. McFarland. ISBN 9780786491346 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Philip Morant". IMDb.
- ^ "Philip Morant - Theatricalia". theatricalia.com.
- ^ a b "Richard Morant". The Daily Telegraph. 30 November 2011.
- ^ "Richard Morant". The Herald. Glasgow. 29 December 2011.
- ^ a b "Richard Morant: Actor best known as Flashman, and as Dr Enys in". The Independent. 25 November 2011.
- ^ a b c Hayward, Anthony (14 December 2011). "Richard Morant obituary". The Guardian.
- ^ "Richard Morant - TV Guide". TV Guide.
- ^ "The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)". BFI. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018.
- ^ "The Dorothy L Sayers Mysteries - S1 - Episode 10: Gaudy Night - Part Three". Radio Times.
- ^ "Jack the Ripper (1988) - David Wickes - Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related". AllMovie.
- ^ "Richard Morant". BFI. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017.
- ^ "Poster - V&A Search the Collections". V and A Collections. 12 January 2019.
- ^ "Connie[30/06/85] (1985)". BFI. Archived from the original on 25 July 2017.
- ^ "Richard Morant - Obituaries". 7 December 2011. (subscription required)
- ^ "自分でもできるdmのダイレクトなメール方法". dmというダイレクトにメールを送ることのメリット.
- ^ "Richmond actor Richard Morant dies, aged 66 (From This Is Local London)". Thisislocallondon.co.uk. 20 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
External links
[edit]
Richard Morant
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Family background
Richard Morant was born on 30 October 1945 in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, England.[5][1] He was the son of Philip Morant (1909–1993), a Shakespearean actor whose work in theatre and radio, including roles in productions like Antony and Cleopatra, immersed the family in the performing arts from an early age.[6][7] Morant's sister, Angela Morant (born 1941), is also an actress known for appearances in films such as Iris and television series including Coronation Street, reflecting a strong familial tradition in acting.[8][1][9] The family's connections to the industry extended further through cousins Penelope Wilton, a Dame and acclaimed actress in works like Downton Abbey, and Susan Travers, known for roles in The Avengers and Doctor Who, which underscored the pervasive influence of theatre and performance in their Warwickshire upbringing.[1][4]Training at drama school
Following in the footsteps of his sisters and cousin in the family acting heritage, Morant enrolled at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he trained from 1964 to 1966.[1] During his time there, he shared a lively student house in Camden with peers including musician David Dundas and director Bruce Robinson, fostering an environment conducive to creative development.[4][6] Upon graduating, Morant joined the Prospect Theatre Company, embarking on early touring productions that provided his initial professional stage experience.[10] He performed alongside prominent actor Ian McKellen in several Shakespearean works, including Richard II and Twelfth Night, which marked his first notable exposures to live audiences during tours in 1967 and beyond.[10] These roles, starting with smaller parts at the Edinburgh Festival, allowed him to hone his craft in ensemble settings before transitioning to more substantial characters.[10]Acting career
Theatre roles
Morant's early theatre career was marked by his involvement with the Prospect Theatre Company in the late 1960s, where he participated in touring productions of Shakespearean works. After initial walk-on roles at the Edinburgh Festival in 1967, he took on more substantial parts in Twelfth Night and Richard II during national tours.[10][1] In these productions, Morant portrayed the Earl of Salisbury in William Shakespeare's Richard II in 1968, a role that highlighted his classical training amid a company known for innovative interpretations of Elizabethan drama. He followed this by playing the Earl of Leicester in Christopher Marlowe's Edward II in 1969, alternating between the two roles in repertory fashion. These performances were part of collaborations with Ian McKellen, who starred as King Richard II and King Edward II, respectively, under director Toby Robertson's guidance, bringing the works to audiences across the UK and Europe.[11][1][4] The Richard II production transferred to London's West End at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1970, marking Morant's debut in a major commercial venue. Later in his career, he appeared in repertory theatre, including as Robin in J.B. Priestley's Time and the Conways at the Bristol Old Vic in 1978 and a starring role as Elyot Chase in Noël Coward's Private Lives at the Theatre Royal, Bath, in 1983–1984. He also reunited with McKellen in Arnold Wesker's Chips with Everything in 1970, playing Thompson during a tour that included stops at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.[12][13][14]Television appearances
Richard Morant's television career began with a breakthrough role as the bullying Flashman in the 1971 BBC adaptation of Thomas Hughes's novel Tom Brown's Schooldays, a performance that established him as a compelling antagonist in period dramas and terrified young audiences with its intensity.[11][1] This role showcased his ability to embody complex villains, drawing from his early theatre training to bring nuance to the character's cruelty and charisma.[15] In 1975, Morant gained widespread recognition for portraying Dr. Dwight Enys, the idealistic and compassionate physician, in the BBC's Poldark series, adapted from Winston Graham's novels and set in 18th-century Cornwall.[11][1] His depiction of Enys as a figure torn between social reform and personal romance highlighted Morant's versatility in romantic leads, contributing to the series' popularity for its themes of love and betrayal; he appeared in the first series before the role transitioned to another actor. Morant later took on historical figures, notably as the revolutionary leader Maximilien Robespierre in the 1982 ITV miniseries The Scarlet Pimpernel, opposite Anthony Andrews, where he portrayed the French politician's ruthless ambition during the Reign of Terror.[11][1] This role underscored his skill in intense dramatic ensembles, emphasizing the ideological fervor of the era through subtle menace.[16] In 1987, he appeared as Mervyn Bunter, the loyal valet to detective Lord Peter Wimsey, in the BBC's A Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery series, adapting the author's crime novels with a focus on witty investigations and period authenticity.[17] Morant's portrayal added quiet competence and dry humor to the ensemble, supporting the central sleuthing narrative across adaptations like Strong Poison and Gaudy Night.[17] Among his other notable television credits, Morant played Captain Lawrence Oates in the 1985 Central Television miniseries The Last Place on Earth, a gripping account of the Scott Antarctic expedition where his character's famous self-sacrifice—"I am just going outside and may be some time"—epitomized British stoicism in the face of tragedy.[1][18] These roles across decades demonstrated his range in British television, from schoolboy tyrants to historical heroes, often in serialized dramas that blended adventure, romance, and social commentary.[11]Film roles
Morant's entry into cinema began with an uncredited role as a replacement pilot in the World War II epic Battle of Britain (1969), directed by Guy Hamilton, marking his screen debut in a high-profile ensemble cast featuring Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier. His first credited film appearance followed in Zeppelin (1971), a drama about a World War I-era plot to assassinate Lord Kitchener using a captured German airship, where he portrayed Billy Chisholm in Etienne Périer's production.[19] In 1974, Morant took on the role of Max, a suitor to Alma Mahler, in Ken Russell's biographical fantasy Mahler, which explored the life of the composer through hallucinatory sequences and won the Technical Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This supporting performance highlighted his ability to embody period characters with subtle intensity amid Russell's stylistic excesses.[20] Morant ventured into fantasy horror with The Company of Wolves (1984), Neil Jordan's adaptation of Angela Carter's short stories, playing the Wealthy Groom in one of the film's cautionary tales about werewolves and deception.[21] The film's lush, dreamlike visuals and feminist undertones showcased his versatility in genre cinema, contributing to its cult status. His film work often centered on historical dramas, as seen in The Second Victory (1987), where he appeared as Captain Johnson in Gerald Thomas's post-World War II thriller about a rogue German soldier evading Allied forces in Austria. Similarly, in Michael Caton-Jones's Scandal (1989), a portrayal of the 1960s Profumo affair, Morant played D'Lazlo, a figure in the scandal's web of intrigue involving politician John Profumo and showgirl Christine Keeler.[22] This role underscored his recurring strength in ensemble historical narratives, blending restraint with underlying tension. Later films included the comedic drama Janice Beard 45 WPM (1999), directed by Clare Kilner, in which he portrayed the Boss in a story of a young woman's ambitious schemes in London, and his final screen role as the Flirt in Julia Loktev's tense thriller Day Night Day Night (2006), exploring themes of terrorism and alienation.[23] These later appearances reflected Morant's continued presence in independent British cinema, often in supporting capacities that added depth to character-driven stories.Business ventures
Art and textiles dealing
In the 1970s, Richard Morant opened a shop in Holland Park, west London, selling Indian fashions and jewellery.[1] In 1975, he established the Richard Morant Gallery in Notting Hill, London, taking over the premises from his long-term business partner David Black, a prominent figure in central Asian textiles, and trading under his own name.[2] The gallery specialized in central Asian carpets and textiles, focusing on antique pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries, which Morant sourced through established networks in the field.[2] Morant's expertise extended to contemporary textile design, where he created custom pieces hand-loomed by traditional weaving communities in rural Turkey using organic dyes.[2] These included William Morris-style knotted carpets and kilims inspired by early Peruvian weavings, reflecting his appreciation for natural materials and cultural craftsmanship.[2] He collaborated closely with these artisans, emphasizing their reverence for nature and the sacred aspects of weaving, and designed rugs used by the Dalai Lama during his 2008 UK tour.[2] The gallery's operations balanced sales of rare antique items with commissions for modern works, establishing Morant as a respected dealer in the niche market for Asian decorative textiles.[4] Throughout this period, Morant maintained the gallery as a successful enterprise, curating shows such as the 2006 Carpet and Textile exhibition, which highlighted his growing influence in the sector.[24] His approach to sourcing emphasized authenticity and rarity, drawing on decades of immersion in the trade to offer collectors high-quality, historically significant pieces.[2]Other professional activities
In addition to his on-screen and stage performances, Richard Morant contributed to voice-over narration for various media, leveraging his distinctive baritone voice. He provided voice work for documentaries and commercials, where his articulate delivery was particularly valued in later career stages.[2] Morant was a prolific audiobook narrator, earning recognition including AudioFile Magazine's Earphones Award for his interpretations of literary works. Notable narrations include Julian Fellowes's Snobs (2004) and Past Imperfect (2008), Julian Barnes's The Sense of an Ending (2011) and Flaubert's Parrot (2011), and Donna Leon's Death at La Fenice (2003). His readings emphasized nuanced character voices and pacing, contributing to the accessibility of classic and contemporary British literature.[25][26] Morant also appeared in numerous BBC radio dramas, often portraying sophisticated or authoritative figures in adaptations and original plays. He featured in the Charles Paris detective series by Simon Brett, playing Nigel Steen in episodes of Cast, in Order of Disappearance (1984). Other credits include John Cox in The Catchmere Fugitive by John Ashe (BBC Radio 4, 1977) and a lead role in Peter Redgrove's horror play Martyr of the Hives (BBC Radio 3, 1980). These performances highlighted his versatility in audio storytelling, drawing on his theatre training for expressive delivery.[27][28][29]Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Richard Morant married Melissa Fairbanks, the daughter of actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr., on January 17, 1969, in London.[30] The couple, who met while both pursuing acting careers, had one son and one daughter during their marriage.[4] Their relationship ended in divorce in 1979.[6][5] In 1982, Morant married actress Valerie Buchanan, a union that lasted until his death in 2011.[1] With Buchanan, he had two sons. The couple balanced their professional lives in the arts while raising their family in Richmond, Surrey.[31]Family connections
Richard Morant's family was deeply embedded in the British acting world, providing him with notable connections that extended beyond his immediate household. His sister, Angela Morant, is an established actress with a career spanning television and film; she is particularly recognized for portraying Octavia Minor in the BBC's I, Claudius (1976) and for roles in films such as Iris (2001) and A.D. (1985).[8] Angela, like Richard, trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, highlighting the familial emphasis on dramatic arts.[1] Morant was also related to other prominent performers through his extended family. His first cousins included the acclaimed actress Penelope Wilton, known for her role as Isobel Crawley in the ITV series Downton Abbey (2010–2015) and for appearances in films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), and Susan Travers, an actress who appeared in productions such as The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) and The Avengers (1961–1969).[1][32] These ties stemmed from his aunt and uncle, actors Linden and Bill Travers, further intertwining the Morants with influential acting lineages.[5] The prevalence of acting professionals in Morant's family, including his father's work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, facilitated valuable industry networking and opportunities early in his career, easing his transition from drama school to professional stages and screens.[1] This network of relatives not only offered mentorship but also underscored a generational commitment to the performing arts within the family.Death and legacy
Circumstances of death
Richard Morant died on 9 November 2011 in Richmond, London, at the age of 66.[33][1] The cause of his death was an aneurysm, which occurred unexpectedly following a short illness.[5][34]Tributes and remembrance
Following Richard Morant's sudden death in November 2011, obituaries in prominent British publications paid tribute to his enduring presence in television and film, emphasizing his striking physical attributes and professional versatility. These accounts collectively portrayed him as a charismatic figure whose work resonated across generations, with particular acclaim for his ability to embody both villainous and sympathetic characters. The Guardian obituary highlighted Morant's "dark good looks," which had made him a familiar face to television audiences over several decades, and praised his seamless transition from romantic leads in the 1970s to more nuanced character roles later in his career.[1] Similarly, The Independent described him as a "darkly handsome presence" possessed of a "mellifluous voice," underscoring his "gentle gift for friendship" and an "earthy side with a delightful laugh" that endeared him to colleagues.[11] Industry recognition centered on several defining performances that exemplified his range. His portrayal of the bullying Flashman in the 1971 BBC adaptation of Tom Brown's Schooldays was lauded as a breakthrough that "terrified a generation" and established a "benchmark performance" for the character's sadistic intensity.[11] Likewise, his role as the compassionate Dr. Dwight Enys in the 1975–1976 BBC series Poldark was celebrated as career-defining, with the character described as "irresistible and kind" in a way that "captured many a viewer's heart."[11] The Telegraph obituary reinforced this by recalling his "memorable" casting as Flashman, which solidified his reputation for commanding screen presence.[4] While the immediate post-death coverage in 2011 captured the breadth of his impact, subsequent industry acknowledgments have been sparse, with Morant's legacy primarily sustained through the ongoing appreciation of his archived performances in classic British dramas.[31]Filmography
Television credits
Morant appeared in numerous British television productions throughout his career, with roles spanning historical dramas, mysteries, and miniseries. His notable television credits, listed chronologically, are as follows:| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | The Tragedy of King Richard II | Earl of Salisbury | TV adaptation of Shakespeare's play. |
| 1970 | Edward II | Earl of Leicester | BBC TV production of Marlowe's play.[1] |
| 1971 | Tom Brown's Schooldays | Flashman | BBC TV serial.[1] |
| 1971 | Play for Today | Conrad McKenna | BBC anthology series (1 episode: "Hell's Angel").[35] |
| 1973 | Woodstock | Charles, Prince of Wales | BBC adaptation of Walter Scott's novel.[1] |
| 1973 | The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes | Charlie Lomas | ITV anthology series (1 episode: "Five Hundred Carats").[36] |
| 1975–1976 | Poldark | Dr. Dwight Enys | Main role in BBC period drama series (29 episodes).[37] |
| 1977 | The Hunchback of Notre Dame | Phoebus | BBC TV movie.[38] |
| 1977 | Wings | Capt. Carey | BBC series (1 episode).[39] |
| 1978 | Rumpole of the Bailey | Ward-Webster | ITV legal drama series (1 episode). |
| 1978 | Kidnapped | Officer | BBC miniseries adaptation (1 episode). |
| 1980 | The Merchant of Venice | Lorenzo | BBC TV movie.[40] |
| 1980–1981 | The Talisman | Conrade of Montserrat | BBC miniseries based on Walter Scott's novel (6 episodes).[1] |
| 1981 | Only When I Laugh | Phil | ITV sitcom (1 episode). |
| 1982 | The Agatha Christie Hour | Dermot West | ITV anthology series, episode "The Red Signal".[41] |
| 1982 | Q.E.D. | Richard Stevens | CBS miniseries (1 episode).[42] |
| 1982 | The Scarlet Pimpernel | Robespierre | ITV miniseries.[1] |
| 1983 | The Mad Death | Johnny Dalry | BBC Scotland miniseries (3 episodes).[43] |
| 1985 | Connie | Jamieson | BBC series.[1] |
| 1985 | John and Yoko: A Love Story | Brian Epstein | NBC TV movie.[1] |
| 1985 | The Last Place on Earth | Capt. Titus Oates | Central TV miniseries about Scott's Antarctic expedition (7 episodes).[18] |
| 1986 | Hold the Dream | Malcolm Perring | ITV miniseries (1 episode).[44] |
| 1987 | Bergerac | Martin Jebourg | BBC series (1 episode: "The Memory Man"). |
| 1987 | A Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery | Bunter | BBC/ITC series.[45] |
| 1988 | Jack the Ripper | Dr. Acland | CBS/Thames miniseries (2 episodes).[46] |
| 1994 | The Knock | Leakey | ITV crime drama series (1 episode).[39] |
| 1995 | The Famous Five | Mr. Lenoir | ITV children's series (2 episodes: "Five Go to Smuggler's Top").[47] |
| 1997 | Melissa | Video Director | Channel 4 miniseries (1 episode).[39] |
| 1997 | Midsomer Murders | Mr. Tomlin | ITV crime drama series (1 episode: "Written in Blood"). |
| 1999 | Peak Practice | Mr. Dunfield | ITV series (1 episode: "The Ties That Bind").[48] |
| 2010 | New Tricks | Walker | BBC crime drama series (1 episode: "Where There's a Will").[1] |
Film credits
Richard Morant's cinematic career featured a select number of roles in theatrical films, spanning from uncredited appearances in war dramas to supporting parts in fantasy and historical pieces. His film work, though less extensive than his television output, showcased his versatility in ensemble casts and character-driven narratives. The following is a chronological list of his feature film credits:- Battle of Britain (1969): Replacement Pilot - Red Section 'Red 2' (uncredited), directed by Guy Hamilton.[49]
- Zeppelin (1971): Billy Chisholm (uncredited), directed by Etienne Périer.[50]
- Mahler (1974): Max, directed by Ken Russell.[51]
- Hijack! (1975): Colin, directed by Michael Forlong.
- The Company of Wolves (1984): Wealthy Groom, directed by Neil Jordan.[52]
- The Second Victory (1987): Capt. Johnson, directed by Gerald Thomas.
- Scandal (1989): D'Lazlo, directed by Michael Caton-Jones.[53]
- Janice Beard 45 WPM (1999): Boss, directed by Clare Kilner.[54]
- Day Night Day Night (2006): Flirt, directed by Julia Loktev.[55]