Nigel Green, a South African-born character actor, was born in Pretoria in 1924 and later educated in England. Prior to pursuing a career in acting, Green studied chemical engineering before being awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
By the age of 24, Green had already made a name for himself on the stage, appearing in productions at both the Old Vic and Stratford-on-Avon. His early 1950s film and television debuts marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career.
In 1956, Green suffered serious injuries in an accident, but he made a full recovery and went on to establish himself as a familiar figure in British film and television. His imposing presence and dominant screen presence led to a string of military and authoritarian roles throughout his career.
Green's tall, muscular physique also made him well-suited to playing characters such as Fertog "The Bear" in the television series William Tell, Little John in Sword of Sherwood Forest, and Hercules in Jason and the Argonauts.
Throughout the early 1960s, Green appeared in a number of small film roles before landing a breakout performance in the critically acclaimed Zulu in 1964. This marked a turning point in his career, with his subsequent film roles receiving widespread critical acclaim.
One of Green's most notable performances was as the superior of Michael Caine's character in the stylish spy film The Ipcress File in 1965. He also appeared in a number of British horror films, including The Skull, The Face of Fu Manchu, and Countess Dracula.
In addition to his work in British cinema, Green also appeared in a number of Hollywood films, including Tobruk, The Wrecking Crew, and The Kremlin Letter.
Despite his later films bringing him international recognition and a chance at stardom, Green's career was tragically cut short by his sudden death in 1972 at the age of 47. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, with his family believing it to be accidental.
