Person Biography:
Derek Jacobi is a renowned British classical actor, known for his fearless portrayal of complex characters. Born in Leytonstone, London, England, he was the only child of Alfred George Jacobi, a department store manager, and Daisy Gertrude (Masters) Jacobi, a secretary. His paternal great-grandfather was German.
Jacobi's interest in drama began at a young age, and he made his debut at six in a local library drama group production of "The Prince and the Swineherd". He attended Leyton County High School and joined the school's drama club, where he developed his skills.
After studying history at the University of Cambridge, Jacobi became a founding member of Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company. He made his film debut in Olivier's adaptation of "Othello" and went on to appear in several stage productions, including "The Royal Hunt of the Sun", "Othello", and "Hay Fever".
Jacobi's breakthrough came with his role as Lord Fawn in the BBC series "The Pallisers" and later as Emperor Claudius in the epic series "I, Claudius". He has since appeared in numerous stage and screen productions, including "Hamlet", "Richard II", "Much Ado About Nothing", and "The Tenth Man".
Throughout his career, Jacobi has received numerous awards and nominations, including a BAFTA, an Emmy, and a Tony Award. He has also been knighted for his services to the theatre.
In his personal life, Jacobi has been in a long-term relationship with Richard Clifford, a classical actor and producer. They filed as domestic partners in England in 2006.
