Christopher Benjamin's journey as an actor began at the tender age of 15, when he decided to pursue a career in acting. He drew inspiration from his early performances in school plays, where he played the role of Oberon in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Benjamin's professional career took off after graduating from RADA in 1958. He started with repertory at the Manchester Library Theatre, often playing the role of older men due to budget constraints. He then moved to the Salisbury Arts Theatre, where he became a leading actor, taking on various classical roles.
Benjamin spent several seasons at the Bristol Old Vic and was later engaged by the RSC from 1978 to 2002. He headlined in several productions, including the title role of Julius Caesar in the mid-1990s. He also reprised his roles in Trevor Nunn's production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby on Broadway and at Shakespeare's Globe.
Benjamin's extensive work on screen began in 1961, with smaller roles in various TV series and films. He often portrayed amiable, garrulous, or avuncular characters with a comedic edge. His notable roles include Prosper Profond in The Forsyte Saga, Sir Hugh Bodrugan in Poldark, and Sir William Lucas in Pride and Prejudice.
Benjamin also had a successful career in television, with notable roles in Doctor Who, including the part of Henry Gordon Jago in The Talons of Weng-Chiang. He reprised his role in a series of audio plays for Big Finish Productions. He also appeared in other Doctor Who serials, including Inferno and The Unicorn and the Wasp.
Benjamin was married to actress Anna Fox and had three children. An avid cricket fan, he retired in 2021 and lived in Hampstead, London, until his passing in January 2025 at the age of 90.
