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Robin Ellis
Robin Ellis
Robin Ellis
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Anthony Robin Ellis (born 8 January 1942) is a British actor and cookery book writer best known for his role as Captain Ross Poldark in the BBC series Poldark (1975-1977). Other credits include Sense and Sensibility (1971), Elizabeth R (1971), Bel Ami (1971), The Moonstone (1972), A Touch of Class (Fawlty Towers) (1975), She Loves Me (1979), The Europeans (1979), The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980), The Good Soldier (1981), Cluedo (British game show) (1990), The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (1991), The Trial of Lord Lucan (1994), Heartbeat (2001 & 2006), and Poldark (Reboot 2015) (2015–17, and 2019).

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Ellis was born 8 January 1942,[1] in Ipswich, Suffolk. He was educated at the independent Highgate School in Highgate in north London,[2] and at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge where he read history and appeared in over 20 plays. His first West End performance was as Captain Jack Absolute in Sheridan's The Rivals at the Haymarket Theatre from 6th October 1966 – August 1967.[3] He went on to play in The Real Inspector Hound at the Criterion Theatre (1968),[3] and Widowers' Houses at the Royal Court Theatre (1970).[3]

He was part of the innovative Actors' Company, founded in 1972 by Ian McKellen and Edward Petherbridge, organised and run democratically by the actors themselves. In that repertory company he played Grimaldi in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore (1972),[4] He played Fainhall in The Way of the World (1973-1974),[5] Theodore in The Wood Demon (1973-1974),[6] and Albany in King Lear (1974).[7]

His big break came in 1975, with his first major role playing heart throb Ross Poldark in the 18th Century classic BBC 1 series, Poldark (1975-1977),[8] adapted from a series of books by the British author Winston Graham.[9]

In 1969, he played Ames in the film Arthur? Arthur!. Ellis co-starred with Lee Remick in the Merchant Ivory film The Europeans (1979), based on the novel by Henry James, playing the role of John Acton.[10] Ellis appeared in the CBS mini-series The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980),[11] (playing Howard Carter, the Englishman who discovered the tomb of King Tut), in the ITV drama Heartbeat (2001 & 2006),[11] and in a BBC adaptation of A Dark-Adapted Eye (1994) a psychological thriller written by Ruth Rendell.[1][12]

Ellis also had a long career in the theatre, including a stint with the Royal Shakespeare Company.[3] He appeared there in a musical version of The Comedy of Errors playing Pinch;[3] in King Lear playing Edmund;[3] Troilus and Cressida playing Achilles;[3] and in Much Ado About Nothing playing Don Pedro.[3] His last West End theatre performance was with Zoë Wanamaker in Sylvia by A.R. Gurney at the Apollo Theatre in 1996.[3]

He had a recurring role in the 2015-2019 BBC adaptation of Poldark as Reverend Halse.[8]

Health

[edit]

He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.[9]

Cookery book writer

[edit]

His first cookery book, Delicious Dishes for Diabetics: A Mediterranean Way of Eating, was published in 2011.[13] The US edition was titled Delicious Dishes for Diabetics: Eating Well with Type 2 Diabetes.

Personal life

[edit]

Ellis lives with his wife Meredith in southwest France. His younger brothers are the actor Jack Ellis and the director Peter Ellis, who died in 2006.[14]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Robin Ellis

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from Grokipedia
Robin Ellis (born Anthony Robin Ellis on 8 January 1942) is a British , , and cookery writer, best known for his leading role as Captain Ross Poldark in the period drama series (1975–1977), adapted from Winston Graham's novels. Born in , , to an RAF pilot father, Ellis spent his early years moving between RAF bases before attending in and later studying history at , where he appeared in over 20 student plays, igniting his passion for acting. Ellis began his professional career in provincial after university, making his West End debut in 1967 as Captain Jack Absolute in at the Haymarket Theatre. His breakthrough came with , where he starred in all 29 episodes across two series, portraying the principled Cornish mining captain and earning widespread acclaim for bringing the character to life during the show's peak popularity in the . Beyond , Ellis appeared in notable film and television roles, including Robert Acton in the Merchant Ivory production (1979), Franklin Blake in the BBC's (1972), and the archaeologist in the miniseries The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980). He also performed on stage, notably sharing the West End spotlight with Zoe Wanamaker in Sylvia at the Apollo Theatre in 1996. In later years, Ellis reprised his association with by guest-starring as Reverend Halse in the 2015 BBC revival series. Diagnosed with in 1999, he turned his focus to healthy cooking, authoring cookbooks such as Delicious Dishes for Diabetics (2010) and Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics (2014), and conducting workshops on the subject. In 1999, Ellis relocated to a renovated rectory in the region of southwest with his wife, Meredith, where he has embraced a quieter life centered on writing, countryside walks, and French citizenship, which he acquired in 2021.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Robin Ellis was born on 8 January 1942 in , , . His father, Anthony Gerald Ellis, served in the Royal Air Force as a during and after . In 1946, both of his parents were 31 years old. Ellis is the eldest of three brothers; his younger siblings are Jack Ellis, an , and Peter Ellis, a who died on 24 April 2006 in , . Due to his father's RAF career, Ellis spent his early childhood moving between various RAF bases across the . The family eventually settled in following the end of the war. From the age of four, he gained initial exposure to the through family outings to local pantomimes, such as Dick Whittington and , at the , where he sat between his parents in the stalls.

Academic and early influences

Ellis attended , an independent day school in , where he first developed an interest in drama through participation in school productions. At the age of 17, he auditioned for a school play at the urging of a friend and secured the role of Sir Lucius O'Trigger in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's , an experience that ignited his passion for performance and marked his initial foray into acting. Following his time at Highgate, Ellis joined the for a couple of years, collaborating with future notable actors such as , Martin Jarvis, and , which further honed his theatrical skills before university. Ellis pursued higher education at Fitzwilliam College, , where he studied from 1962 to 1965. During his undergraduate years, he immersed himself in student , appearing in over 20 productions, which bridged his academic pursuits with a deepening commitment to and influenced his decision to forgo a conventional path in favor of the stage. This period at solidified the artistic influences that propelled him toward professional upon graduation.

Acting career

Stage performances

Robin Ellis began his professional stage career in repertory theatre following his studies at Cambridge University, where he had gained foundational experience in university productions. His West End debut came in 1966, when he portrayed Captain Jack Absolute in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, under the direction of Glen Byam Shaw and alongside Ralph Richardson in the lead role. This production marked his entry into London's commercial theatre scene, blending comedy and period intrigue. In the mid-1970s, Ellis joined the Royal Shakespeare Company for its 1976–1977 season at , contributing to several Shakespearean classics. He played Don Pedro in John Barton's production of , sharing the stage with as Beatrice, as Benedick, and as Hero. That same season, he appeared as the eccentric Doctor Pinch in Trevor Nunn's innovative , noted for its musical elements and Dench's portrayal of Adriana, and took on a role in the company's revival of . These performances highlighted his versatility in ensemble Shakespeare, emphasizing classical roles within the RSC's repertory system. Ellis maintained an active stage presence into the 1990s with notable West End revivals. In 1996, he starred as Greg, the beleaguered husband, in A.R. Gurney's comedic Sylvia at the Apollo Theatre, directed by and opposite Zoë Wanamaker's energetic depiction of the family dog. The production, which explored marital tensions through anthropomorphic humor, earned praise for its witty staging and Wanamaker's physical comedy. Earlier in his career, Ellis reflected on his repertory days at venues like the , a key tryout space for shows. He performed in pantomimes such as Dick Whittington as Idle Jack, evoking the vibrancy of variety theatre traditions.

Television and film roles

Robin Ellis began his transition from stage to television in the early , appearing in several adaptations of classic literature that showcased his versatility in period roles. His early television credits included portraying Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, in the historical drama (1971), a role that highlighted his commanding presence in royal intrigue narratives. He followed this with Edward Ferrars in the romantic adaptation (1971), based on Jane Austen's novel, and Franklin Blake in the mystery series (1972), adapted from Wilkie Collins's work, which helped establish his reputation for thoughtful, introspective characters. These appearances built on his theatre background, gradually positioning him for leading roles in prestige television. Ellis achieved his breakthrough in 1975 with the title role of Captain Ross Poldark in the period drama , which aired from 1975 to 1977 across 29 episodes. The series, adapted from Winston Graham's novels set in late 18th-century , depicted Poldark's return from the to reclaim his family's mining estate amid social and romantic challenges. Ellis's portrayal of the rugged, principled became iconic, drawing large audiences and cementing his association with period dramas. In the same year, Ellis made a notable guest appearance as Danny Brown, a cockney detective, in the comedy series Fawlty Towers episode "A Touch of Class" (1975), providing a contrast to his dramatic work with his comedic timing alongside John Cleese's Basil Fawlty. Transitioning to film, he starred as Robert Acton in The Europeans (1979), directed by James Ivory and adapted from Henry James's novella, where he played a wealthy American entangled in cultural clashes with European aristocracy opposite Lee Remick. The following year, Ellis took the lead role of archaeologist Howard Carter in the NBC television movie The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (1980), a thriller exploring the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and its supernatural repercussions. Decades later, Ellis returned to the Poldark universe in a guest capacity as the stern Reverend Halse in the remake series (2015–2019), appearing across multiple seasons to represent institutional authority in the story's Cornish setting. This cameo paid homage to his original role while underscoring the enduring legacy of the .

Later projects and voice work

In 2021, Ellis took on the role of the Ghost of 's father in an online film production of , directed by Rob Barron and produced by Gorilla Rep NYC as part of their Shakespeare series. This marked a return to in a virtual format, with Ellis appearing alongside lead actor Henry Austin Shikongo, adapting the classic tragedy for contemporary audiences amid the . Ellis established a significant presence in voiceover and narration later in his career, co-owning the London-based agency Voices in London for many years, where he managed operations from a Soho office while contributing his own performances. He narrated numerous documentaries, including the BAFTA-winning BBC series The Death of Yugoslavia (1995–1996), providing the voiceover for the British version that chronicled the dissolution of the socialist federation. His narration work extended to other historical productions, such as episodes of the science series Equinox, emphasizing his versatile delivery in factual programming. Beyond these endeavors, Ellis has engaged in occasional reflections on the enduring cultural impact of , particularly in interviews and personal writings where he discusses its influence on period drama and Cornish heritage, though he has not taken on major new acting roles since the 2021 production as of November 2025. Instead, he has focused on consultations and archival contributions related to the series, underscoring its legacy without pursuing extensive on-screen work.

Writing career

Memoir on Poldark

Robin Ellis's memoir Making Poldark, first published in 1978 by a small Cornish publisher, provides an intimate account of the production of the 1975 adaptation of Winston Graham's novels, focusing on the behind-the-scenes challenges of filming in Cornwall's rugged landscapes. The book details logistical hurdles such as rapidly diminishing light during outdoor shoots, which demanded swift execution of scenes, and unexpected incidents like a cameraman breaking his leg after being thrown from a coach on , leaving Ellis in a state of shock for hours. It also explores cast dynamics, including rehearsals at a hotel dubbed the "Acton Hilton" with co-star as Demelza, and tensions arising from adaptation choices, such as the accelerated timeline for Ross and Demelza's marriage, which drew disapproval from Graham himself. An updated edition appeared in to coincide with the BBC's re-airing of the series, followed by a significantly revised and expanded version in 2012 that incorporated additional personal reflections and color photographs. This edition delves deeper into the failed attempt to produce a third series, including the Appreciation Society's protests against the BBC's decision, highlighting the show's enduring fanbase. Throughout, Ellis examines themes of personal growth, recounting how embodying Ross —a character marked by post-war disillusionment and social defiance—profoundly influenced his own development as an actor and individual. The memoir also addresses the adaptation process from Graham's source material, emphasizing how the novels' portrayal of 18th-century class struggles and romantic entanglements was translated to screen while navigating creative liberties. The series' broader impact on British television is a recurring motif, with Ellis crediting Poldark for its role in popularizing period dramas and attracting up to 15 million viewers per episode during its original run, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon that boosted interest in Graham's novels and Cornish heritage. In , an audiobook version of the expanded memoir was released, narrated by Ellis himself, allowing listeners to experience his firsthand anecdotes in his distinctive voice. This format extended the book's reach, particularly amid renewed interest from the BBC's reboot.

Cookery books and culinary focus

Following his diagnosis with in 1999, British actor Robin Ellis transitioned into cookery authorship as a means to manage his condition through diet, drawing on his longstanding interest in to create accessible, health-focused recipes. His first book, Delicious Dishes for Diabetics: Eating Well with Type-2 Diabetes, published in November 2011 by , emphasizes simple adaptations of Mediterranean staples to control blood sugar levels without medication, featuring dishes like fresh tuna salad with sunflower seeds, , and . The book includes over 100 recipes prioritizing fresh ingredients, lean proteins, and plant-based elements to promote balanced eating for diabetics and those seeking healthier lifestyles. Ellis expanded his culinary output with subsequent titles that built on this foundation, refining his approach to emphasize and enjoyment in everyday cooking. In 2014, he released Healthy Eating for Life: Over 100 Simple and Tasty Recipes through Little, Brown , which broadens beyond diabetes-specific needs to offer versatile, low-carb Mediterranean-inspired meals suitable for general wellness, such as herb-infused sides and grain alternatives like bulgur wheat. This was followed by Mediterranean Cooking for Diabetics: Delicious Dishes to Control or Avoid in March 2016, a revised and expanded edition of his debut with added and updated recipes, including variations on and preparations to maintain glycemic control. His fourth book, Robin Ellis's Mediterranean Vegetarian Cooking: Delicious Seasonal Dishes for Living Well with , appeared in September 2020 from Robinson, fully plant-based and photographed by his wife, Meredith Wheeler, highlighting seasonal produce in dishes like and stews. Ellis's culinary philosophy centers on uncomplicated, flavorful meals that leverage the benefits of the —rich in , vegetables, nuts, and herbs—while minimizing processed foods and refined sugars to support long-term vitality. He advocates for plant-forward cooking as a sustainable choice, evident in his personal blog on robin-ellis.net, where he shares adaptations like integrations into salads and sautés, with posts continuing through 2021 to inspire home cooks in managing through enjoyable, everyday recipes. This body of work reflects his commitment to demystifying healthy eating, making it approachable without sacrificing taste.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Ellis married American and former Meredith Wheeler in 1990. The couple resides in a restored presbytery in the Languedoc region of southwest , where they have built a life together centered on creative pursuits and animal companionship. Wheeler has contributed photography to Ellis's cookery books, including the 2020 publication Robin Ellis's Mediterranean Vegetarian Cooking, which features her images of dishes and their rural French surroundings. The couple has no children and shares their home with a of pets, notably cats and chickens such as the silkie hen Maud and the hen Lucette. Ellis maintains close ties to his family in the entertainment industry through his younger brothers. Jack Ellis is a fellow actor, recognized for his role as prison officer in the ITV series Bad Girls and appearances in Casualty as Sergeant Chancellor. Their middle brother, Peter Ellis, worked as a on shows including Highlander and NCIS until his death from a heart attack in 2006 at age 58.

Health diagnosis and lifestyle

In 1999, Robin Ellis was diagnosed with during a routine , despite showing no symptoms, which came as a significant shock and prompted immediate lifestyle adjustments. This diagnosis, occurring shortly after his move to France in 1999, led him to adopt a Mediterranean-style diet emphasizing fresh, plant-based foods, with a shift toward vegetarian eating to better manage his condition. In 1999, Ellis and his wife relocated to a rural in the Tarn region of southwest , embracing a simpler countryside existence that aligned with his needs. Their 18th-century stone-built home, a former rectory near the village of Lautrec, became the setting for daily routines including , short walks through local fields, and attentive observations of , such as the seasonal bloom of sunflowers and the activity of bees in flowering ivy. This pastoral rhythm, supported by caring for a of animals on the property, fostered a slower pace of life that complemented his dietary changes and overall well-being. In 2021, Ellis and his wife acquired French citizenship, a decision influenced by Brexit's impact on his British EU status, allowing them to maintain seamless ties to their adopted home. This milestone reinforced their commitment to rural French living, where they continue to cherish the tranquility of the countryside and the responsibilities of amid the Tarn's rolling landscapes.

References

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