Kenneth Cranham, a renowned Scottish-born character actor, has made a lasting impact on the stage, radio, film, and television industries. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, Cranham spent his early years in Scotland before moving to London with his family.
As a young man, Cranham discovered his passion for acting while working at a bookshop. It was here that he was discovered by the playwright Joe Orton, who cast him in his radio play "The Ruffian on the Stair." This marked the beginning of Cranham's illustrious career.
Cranham trained at the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA),graduating in 1966. His association with Orton continued with a role in "Loot" at the Royal Court and subsequently at the Criterion Theatre.
Throughout his career, Cranham has been cast in a wide range of roles, from tough and villainous characters to more comedic and sympathetic parts. His craggy features and gruff voice have made him a standout in many productions.
On screen, Cranham has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Oliver!" (1968),"Shine on Harvey Moon" (1982),"The Merchant of Venice" (1980),"Reilly: Ace of Spies" (1983),"Heart of the High Country" (1985),"Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" (1989),"El C.I.D." (1990),"Merlin" (2008),"Hustle" (2004),"Rome" (2005),"The Good Karma Hospital" (2017),and many more.
On stage, Cranham has headlined in productions such as "Entertaining Mr. Sloane," "An Inspector Calls," "Gaslight," and "The Father," for which he won the Olivier Award in 2016.
Cranham has also been recognized for his contributions to the arts, receiving a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2023 for services to drama.
