Joss Ackland

Joss Ackland

English actor
Date of Birth: 29.02.1928
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Early Life and Career
  2. Return to England and Theatrical Success
  3. Television and Musical Roles
  4. Collaboration with Pet Shop Boys
  5. Film and Voice Acting
  6. Later Career and Personal Life
  7. Tragedy and Redemption

Early Life and Career

Sydney Norman Ackland was born in North Kensington, London, England, on August 18, 1951. As a child, he attended the Central School of Speech and Drama. On August 18, 1951, Ackland married actress Rosemary Kirkcaldi, whom he fell in love with during their first stage performance together. Initially, the couple faced challenges due to Ackland's budding career. They moved to Kenya, where Ackland attempted to become a planter.

Joss Ackland

Return to England and Theatrical Success

After a brief stint in South Africa, the Acklands returned to England. Ackland joined the Old Vic Theatre Company, working alongside legends such as Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and Tom Courtenay. He soon began landing notable film roles, including "The Sicilian," "Lethal Weapon 2," "The Hunt for Red October," and "White Mischief."

Joss Ackland

Television and Musical Roles

Ackland's television credits include the miniseries "Hogfather," based on Terry Pratchett's novel. He also starred as Juan Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical "Evita" alongside Elaine Paige. Additionally, Ackland performed in Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's "A Little Night Music" with Jean Simmons and Hermione Gingold.

Joss Ackland

Collaboration with Pet Shop Boys

In 1987, Ackland appeared in the Pet Shop Boys' film "It Couldn't Happen Here" and their music video for "Always on My Mind." He later admitted that he only agreed to work with the band to please his grandchildren, who were ardent fans.

Joss Ackland

Film and Voice Acting

Ackland's filmography includes the notorious "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" and the Pet Shop Boys music video. He also provided voiceover narration for the 2007 documentary "In Search of The Great Beast 666" about occultist Aleister Crowley.

Later Career and Personal Life

Ackland returned to television in 2008, starring as Sir Freddie Butler in the ITV series "Midsomer Murders." He was married to Rosemary for 51 years and had seven children and 32 grandchildren as of May 2006. Despite his frequent travels for work, Ackland prioritized spending evenings with his family.

Tragedy and Redemption

In 1963, the Acklands' home caught fire. Rosemary saved their five children, but broke her back in the process. Despite doctors' predictions, she carried their unborn child to term and regained her ability to walk. Their eldest son, Paul, died from a heroin overdose in 1982 at 29.

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