Here is the biography of Leo McKern:
Leo McKern was an Australian actor, born with a British-sounding accent, despite being Australian. At the age of 15, he had an accident that left him without his left eye, which was replaced with a glass eye. This unique feature added to his distinctive facial appearance.
McKern's early life was marked by various career changes. He attended Sydney Technical High School but did not complete his studies. He then became an engineering apprentice from 1935 to 1937 and later attended a commercial art college from 1937 to 1940. When World War II broke out, McKern volunteered for the Australian Army's Engineering Corp from 1940 to 1942.
After the war, McKern studied acting and made his stage debut in 1944. He met an Australian stage actress, Jane Holland, and the two got married. In 1946, she had acting opportunities in England, and McKern decided to join her, proposing to her and pursuing a career as an actor.
McKern's early stage work included touring and performances at the Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also appeared in several film roles, including "Murder in the Cathedral" (1951) and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1955).
Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, McKern continued to work in film and television, appearing in a wide range of roles, including sci-fi classics like "X the Unknown" (1956) and "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961). He also had roles in the TV series "The Prisoner" and appeared in two "Omen" movies.
McKern's most notable role was as Horace Rumpole in the long-running TV series "Rumpole of the Bailey" (1978-1992),which was specifically created for him by writer John Mortimer. The role earned him a great deal of recognition and acclaim.
In his later years, McKern continued to work in film and television, appearing in roles such as "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" (1975) and "Ryan's Daughter" (1970). He also wrote his memoir, "Just Resting," which was published in 1983.
Throughout his career, McKern was known for his unique voice, his ability to play a wide range of characters, and his distinctive facial appearance. He was beloved by fans and critics alike, and his legacy continues to be celebrated to this day.
