Peter Vaughan was a renowned British actor, known for his versatility and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters. Born Peter Ohm in 1923, he began his career on the stage and transitioned to film in the late 1950s. Initially, he played supporting roles, often portraying unsavory characters such as thugs, cops, and foreign agents.
Vaughan's breakthrough came in the 1960s, with notable performances in films like "The Devil's Agent," "Smokescreen," and "Die! Die! My Darling!" He continued to play a variety of roles throughout the decade, including villains in spy thrillers and a German thug in "A Twist of Sand."
In the 1970s, Vaughan found success in television, particularly in the role of Grouty in the popular series "Porridge." He also appeared in several films, including "Malachi's Cove" and "Intimate Reflections." The actor's unique demeanor and quirky sense of humor made him a natural fit for the work of director Terry Gilliam, and he appeared in several of Gilliam's projects, including "Time Bandits" and "Brazil."
Throughout his career, Vaughan maintained a balance between film and television work, taking on a wide range of roles in both contemporary and period pieces. He continued to work well into his 90s, with his final role being Maester Aemon Targaryen in HBO's "Game of Thrones." Vaughan passed away on December 6, 2016, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved and respected character actors.
