Timothy West is a British actor born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, to actors Harry Lockwood West and Olive Carleton-Crowe. He was educated at John Lyon School and the Polytechnic, and began his stage career in 1956 at the Wimbledon Theatre.
West has spent several seasons in repertory at various venues, including Wimbledon, Newquay, Hull, Northampton, Worthing, and Salisbury. He made his London debut at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1959.
He has appeared in numerous productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Aldwych, including "Afore Night Come," "The Marat-Sade," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Love's Labour's Lost," "The Merchant of Venice," "The Comedy of Errors," and "Timon of Athens."
West has also appeared in productions with the Prospect Theatre Company, playing roles such as Prospero, Claudius, Bolingbroke, and Mortimer. He has directed several productions, including a touring production of "H.M.S. Pinafore."
In addition to his stage work, West has appeared in numerous television productions, including "Edward the King," "Henry VIII," "Breakthrough at Reykjavik," and "Martin Luther." He has also portrayed Winston Churchill and other notable historical figures.
On film, West has appeared in productions such as "Nicholas and Alexandra," "The Day of the Jackal," "Hedda," "Agatha," "Cry Freedom," "Ever After: A Cinderella Story," and "Iris."
West is married to actress and comedian Prunella Scales, and they have appeared together on stage in several productions. They have two sons, Joseph West and Samuel West, who is also an actor. Timothy's daughter Juliet is from his first marriage.
West is a gifted raconteur and has written several books, including "I'm Here I Think, Where are You?", "A Moment Towards the End of the Play," and "So You Want to Be an Actor?" He was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1984 for his services to the profession and has received honorary doctorates from six different universities.
