Nigel Stock was a renowned character actor who had a prolific career spanning multiple mediums, including stage, screen, radio, and television. Born in 1919 in Malta, he was the son of Captain W.H. Stock, RE, and his wife Margaret Marion Munro. Stock spent his childhood in British India before returning to the UK for schooling in his early teens.
He was educated at St. Paul's School and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he earned several prestigious awards, including the Leverhulme Exhibition, Northcliffe Scholarship, and the Principal's Medal. Stock made his stage debut at the Savoy Theatre at the age of 12 in 1931, and went on to accumulate a vast array of credits in classical and contemporary productions at various esteemed theaters, including the Old Vic.
However, Stock's career was interrupted by his service in the Army during World War II, where he served with the London Irish Rifles and the Assam Regiment, Indian Army in Burma, China, and Kohima. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Major in 1945.
After the war, Stock returned to the stage and made his first appearance on the New York stage in 1948. He was a reliable and versatile actor who brought distinction to every aspect of the theatrical repertoire, from Shakespeare to modern farce. He impressed in productions such as "She Stoops to Conquer", "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial", "Altona", "Uncle Vanya", and "Sleuth", among others.
Stock also had a successful career in film, appearing in popular British releases such as "Brighton Rock" (1948),"The Dam Busters" (1955),"Damn the Defiant!" (1962),"The Lost Continent" (1968),"The Lion in Winter" (1968),"Cromwell" (1970),and "Russian Roulette" (1975). He often played villainous roles, and one of his last performances was a character part in the Steven Spielberg production of "Young Sherlock Holmes" (1985).
Between 1964 and 1968, Stock gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Watson in the television series "Sherlock Holmes". Stock was also an avid ornithologist and was married three times, including to actress Richenda Carey, with whom he appeared on stage in the world premiere of "Mumbo Jumbo" in 1986. Tragically, Stock passed away just over a month later on June 23rd, 1986, due to a heart attack, leaving behind four children.
