Simon MacCorkindale British actor, director, producer Date of Birth: 12.02.1952 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Simon MacCorkindale
2. Early Years and Education
3. Career Breakthrough
4. International Success
5. Television and Recent Years
6. Personal Life

Biography of Simon MacCorkindale

Simon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale was born on February 12, 1952, in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. He is a renowned British actor, director, and producer who trained at the London Theatre School. MacCorkindale has had a successful career in both television and film, playing a wide range of roles in various British and American productions.

Early Years and Education

MacCorkindale initially aspired to become a pilot in the Royal Air Force, following in his father's footsteps. However, his deteriorating eyesight at the age of 13 led him to consider joining the diplomatic corps to become an ambassador. Eventually, he became fascinated with theatre and decided to pursue a career as a theatrical director.

After leaving secondary school, MacCorkindale enrolled at Studio 68, a drama school in London, England. He made his professional stage debut at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, England, in a production of "He Bequeathed It to His Nation." In his first year, he signed a contract to play the lead role in George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion."

Career Breakthrough

MacCorkindale's career began to flourish when he made his West End debut in the critically acclaimed production of Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" in 1974, starring alongside Alec McCowen and Diana Rigg. He then started working extensively in television, landing his first international role as Lucius in Franco Zeffirelli's miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth." Interestingly, he also portrayed Lucius, the son of the Roman Emperor Augustus, in the drama "I, Claudius" by Joseph von Sternberg.

Throughout his career, MacCorkindale played various roles on British television, including Sir Thomas Walsingham and Romeo in the TV movie adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," a tough veteran in "The Little Drummer Girl," and poet Siegfried Sassoon in "Out of Battle." He also appeared in the prison drama series "Within These Walls" and had a breakthrough role as Simon Doyle, a greedy young murderer, in the film "Death on the Nile" directed by John Guillermin.

The success of "Death on the Nile" and "Quatermass" led to MacCorkindale being named the "Most Promising Actor" by the London Evening News. This recognition brought him to Los Angeles, where he started appearing in stage productions and films.

International Success

MacCorkindale's international success continued with his role in the cult horror series "Hammer House of Horror" and the miniseries "Manions of America" alongside David Soul, Kate Mulgrew, Linda Purl, Nicholas Hammond, and Pierce Brosnan. In 1981, he made his American directorial debut with the stage production of "The Merchant of Venice" at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles.

He also appeared in the action-fantasy film "The Sword and the Sorcerer" and a video adaptation of "Macbeth." MacCorkindale's career reached new heights when he starred in the horror film "Jaws 3D" alongside Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong, and Louis Gossett Jr.

MacCorkindale returned to the UK in 1986 and founded his production company, Pendant Entertainment Productions, which produced various projects, including his own novella "Ronnie." In 1987, he established another production company, AMY International, and released and distributed numerous projects as a producer, director, and screenwriter.

Television and Recent Years

In 1990, MacCorkindale became a consultant executive producer and played the lead role in the TV series "Counterstrike," for which he was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Actor in a Series. Following the success of "Counterstrike," he directed the detective film "The House That Mary Bought," starring his wife Susan George.

MacCorkindale continued to appear in various television movies and series, including "The Way to Dusty Death" with Linda Hamilton, "At the Midnight Hour" with Patsy Kensit, and "Family of Cops" with Charles Bronson. He also had roles in "While My Pretty One Sleeps" and "Sands of Eden."

Fans of science fiction know MacCorkindale for his work in TV series such as "La Femme Nikita," "Mentors" (as Oscar Wilde), "War of the Worlds," and "Dark Realm" with Lisette Anthony. He portrayed Reed Horton in the horror series "Poltergeist" and returned to British television in the medical drama series "Casualty."

MacCorkindale's extensive career also includes producing films such as "The Power of Love" and serving as an executive producer and screenwriter for "Rolex Murder." He became involved in the production of "Dick Francis Presents" and served as an executive producer for the series "Queen of Swords."

In recent years, MacCorkindale appeared in the medical drama series "Casualty" and continued to work on various projects as a producer and writer.

Personal Life

Simon MacCorkindale is the son of Peter and Jill MacCorkindale and has a younger brother named Duncan. He has been married to British actress Susan George since 1984. Prior to his marriage to George, he was married to actress Fiona Fullerton from July 10, 1976, until their divorce in 1982.

MacCorkindale enjoys various hobbies, including photography, tennis, swimming, and classical music. He takes pride in his skills as a master decorator and gardener. He collects elephant figurines, loves opera, and values his friendships.

MacCorkindale currently resides on a horse farm near Exmoor with his wife Susan George.