Timothy Dalton
Great Britain- Biography of Timothy Dalton
- Early Life
- Early Career
- Film and Television Career
- James Bond and Beyond
- Recent Projects
- Personal Life
- Legacy
Biography of Timothy Dalton
Timothy Peter Dalton, an English stage and film actor, is best known for his portrayal of the iconic character James Bond in two Bond films, "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "Licence to Kill" (1989). While these films were not the most successful in the Bond franchise, Dalton's career continued to flourish in both film and television, delighting fans with memorable roles.
Early Life
Timothy Dalton was born on March 21, 1946 (according to other sources, March 21, 1944) in Colwyn Bay, Conwy County, Denbighshire, Wales, United Kingdom. His father was a captain in the British Special Operations Executive. When Timothy was not yet four years old, the Dalton family moved to Belper, Derbyshire. He attended Herbert Strutt Grammar School and later enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1964. However, he did not complete his studies at RADA, as he joined the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
Early Career
In 1964, Dalton had his first major role on the theatrical stage, playing in William Shakespeare's play "Coriolanus" at the Queen's Theatre. He went on to perform in various plays, including "A Game Called Arthur" (1966, Royal Court Theatre), "Little Malcolm and His Struggle Against the Eunuchs" (1966, Royal Court Theatre), "The Merchant of Venice" (1966, Birmingham Repertory Theatre), "Richard III" (1966, Birmingham Repertory Theatre), "As You Like It" (1966, Birmingham Repertory Theatre), "Love's Labour's Lost" (1966, Birmingham Repertory Theatre), "The Doctor's Dilemma" (1966, Birmingham Repertory Theatre), and "Saint Joan" (1966, Birmingham Repertory Theatre). In the same year, Dalton made his television debut in the telefilm "Troilus and Cressida".
Film and Television Career
Dalton's film career took off in 1968 when he played King Philip II of France in the movie "The Lion in Winter". He received positive reviews for his performances in films such as "Cromwell" (1970), "Wuthering Heights" (1970), and "Mary, Queen of Scots" (1971). He also appeared in notable television projects including "Centennial" (1978), "Agatha" (1978), "Jane Eyre" (1983), "Anthony and Cleopatra" (1983), "The Master of Ballantrae" (1984), and "Mistral's Daughter" (1984).
James Bond and Beyond
In 1987, Dalton took over the role of James Bond from Roger Moore in the long-running franchise. His portrayal of Bond in "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "Licence to Kill" (1989) garnered mixed reviews, but it brought him international recognition. After his Bond films, Dalton appeared in a variety of projects including "The King's Whore" (1990), "The Beautician and the Beast" (1992), "The Lion and the Lamb" (1994), "Scarlett" (1994), "The Informant" (1997), "Cleopatra" (1999), "The Caveman's Valentine" (2001), "Hot Fuzz" (2007), and "The Tourist" (2010).
Recent Projects
In 2014, Dalton made a successful return to television in the supernatural series "Penny Dreadful", where he played the role of Sir Malcolm Murray. The show aired for three seasons and received critical acclaim. Dalton's upcoming projects include the film "Ivan-Durak" and the biographical film "The Death of Stalin".
Personal Life
Timothy Dalton has never been officially married. He dated actress Vanessa Redgrave from 1971 to 1986, whom he met on the set of "Mary, Queen of Scots". He also had a relationship with Russian singer and actress Oksana Grigorieva from 1995 to 2003, with whom he has a son named Alexander (born August 7, 1997). Interestingly, Oksana Grigorieva gave birth to a child, Lucia, on October 30, 2009, with another well-known actor, Mel Gibson.
Legacy
Timothy Dalton is a representative of the classical acting school and is deeply dedicated to his craft. He is also a simple man who enjoys fishing, reading, and listening to opera and jazz music. While his Bond films may not have been the most successful, they brought him international fame and solidified his place in film history. Dalton's versatility as an actor is evident in his wide range of roles, and he continues to captivate audiences with his performances.
