Simon MacCorkindale, British actor and filmmaker (1952–2010)

Career highlights and notable roles

MacCorkindale built a varied portfolio that included film, television series and theatre. He is most often remembered for bringing charisma to roles in popular television of the era. A brief list of well‑known screen appearances includes:

• Manimal — lead role as a shape‑shifting Dr. Jonathan Chase in an imaginative prime‑time series.
• Falcon Crest — a longer‑running role as the lawyer Greg Reardon in the American soap opera.
• Film appearances in major ensemble pictures and supporting parts that introduced him to cinema audiences.

Background and development

Originally from Ely in Cambridgeshire, MacCorkindale trained and worked in theatre before moving between television and film. His facility with both dramatic and romantic material, combined with an ability to work on either side of the Atlantic, allowed him to move from British productions into U.S. network television and studio films. Alongside acting, he explored behind‑the‑camera roles: writing, producing and directing projects that expanded his involvement in storytelling and production.

Personal life, health and death

MacCorkindale’s later years were affected by serious illness. He publicly confronted health challenges and continued to work when possible. He died in London after a battle with colorectal cancer. His place of birth is often noted as Ely in Cambridgeshire, and his death occurred in London.

Legacy and recognition

Although not a constant headline figure, MacCorkindale left a durable impression on genre television and period drama viewers. He is remembered for a smooth, assured screen persona and for contributing creatively beyond acting into directing and writing. For readers seeking more about his film and television credits or production work, contemporary databases and retrospective obituaries provide episode‑by‑episode and filmography detail.

For further reference on specific credits and a chronology of his work see professional listings and archived interviews that discuss his career in greater depth and list individual productions and dates.

movie director | screenwriter | Ely | Cambridgeshire | colorectal cancer | London