British character actor of immense talent and dedication, a 1951 graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA),made his professional stage debut in 1952 in Shakespeare's "Coriolanus". For many years, he was a valued ensemble member of the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company.
Nettleton's transition to the screen in 1956 was seamless, as he quickly discovered his niche in portraying authoritative figures such as magistrates, clerics, aristocrats, befuddled professors, and stiff-upper-lip military officers. His most iconic role, that of the bespectacled Sir Arnold Robinson, Cabinet Secretary in the beloved sitcom "Yes Minister" (1980),cemented his status as a consummate civil servant and trusted advisor to the incomparable Sir Humphrey Appleby, played by Nigel Hawthorne.
In the sequel "Yes, Prime Minister" (1986),his character was promoted to President of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, a testament to his versatility and range. Notable roles outside of "Yes Minister" include Sir Francis Bacon in both "Elizabeth R" (1971) and "Churchill's People" (1974),Arthur Spender in the advertising sitcom "The Happy Apple" (1983),and Conservative MP Stephen Baxter in "The New Statesman" (1987).
Throughout his illustrious career, Nettleton made numerous guest appearances in episodic TV shows and miniseries, including "The Avengers" (1961),"Department S" (1969),"Foyle's War" (2002),and period dramas such as "The Edwardians" (1972),"The Flame Trees of Thika" (1981),and "Brideshead Revisited" (1981).
In his personal life, Nettleton was married to the talented actress Deirdre Doone from 1954 until his passing on July 14, 2023, at the remarkable age of 94.
