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Donald Sinden (1923–2014), British actor and writer

British stage, film and television actor and writer, noted for Rank films of the 1950s, Shakespeare and West End theatre, sitcoms Two's Company and Never the Twain, and a role in The Day of the Jackal.

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Overview

Donald Sinden was a prominent English actor and writer whose career spanned more than six decades across film, theatre and television. Born in Plymouth and raised in Sussex, he became known in the 1950s for film roles with the Rank Organisation, later establishing himself as a leading presence in Shakespearean and West End productions, and gaining popular recognition in television comedy. He was honored with distinctions during his lifetime and continued to perform into his late years.

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Early life and training

Sinden was born in St Budeaux, Plymouth, and spent much of his childhood in Ditchling, Sussex. He served in the armed forces during the wartime era and then trained as an actor, moving into film work as the British cinema industry revived after the Second World War. His early screen appearances introduced him to a national audience and led to longer-term stage work.

Career highlights

In the 1950s he was associated with the Rank Organisation and appeared in a string of films that brought him public attention. He later acquired a reputation as a classical stage actor, performing Shakespeare and other major roles on the West End and in regional theatres. On television he reached new audiences: he co-starred opposite Elaine Stritch in the transatlantic sitcom Two's Company in the 1970s and, with Windsor Davies, played one half of a comic rivalry in Never the Twain during the 1980s. His film credits included an appearance in the political thriller The Day of the Jackal (1973). His acting career extended into the 21st century, with a final credited role in 2012.

Style, writings and honours

Sinden was often cast as an urbane, authoritative figure and was admired for his timing, voice and stagecraft. He also wrote about his life and the theatre, contributing books and memoirs that reflect on acting and the entertainment world. Official recognitions mentioned alongside his name include the CBE and fellowship of arts societies; he was knighted for services to drama and retained a public profile as an elder statesman of British acting.

Personal life and legacy

He married actress Diana Mahony in 1948 and the couple had two sons, Jeremy and Marc, both of whom worked in the performing arts. Jeremy Sinden died in the 1990s; Diana Sinden died in 2004. Donald Sinden died in 2014 in Romney Marsh, Kent, of prostate cancer at the age of 90. He is remembered for bridging popular film, classical theatre and television comedy, and for a career that reflected changing British entertainment over more than half a century.

  • Notable television: Two's Company; Never the Twain.
  • Notable film: The Day of the Jackal (1973) among other Rank-era pictures.
  • Honours: CBE, FRSA and a knighthood for services to drama.
  • Family: Married to Diana Mahony (1948–2004); sons Jeremy (1950–1996) and Marc (born 1954).

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AlegsaOnline.com Donald Sinden (1923–2014), British actor and writer

URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/117809

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  • bbc.com : "Sir Donald Sinden: Legendary actor dies aged 90"