Paul Scofield
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Bibliography
Notes
Named a Commander in the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1956.
Scofield is the only British actor ever to decline a knighthood. (He did so in 1968.) He was awarded the title of Companion of Honour, however, in December 2000.
Biography
This commanding English stage actor began appearing in films in 1954 in "That Lady." Scofield has spent the majority of his career on stage since his debut in the 1930s. He spent the 40s and most of the 50s in various repertory companies honing his skills and appearing mostly in the classics.
Scofield originated the role of Sir Thomas More in 1960 in the Robert Bolt play "A Man for All Seasons" in the West End. The following year, he recreated the role on Broadway and won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Scofield garnered raves and accolades (including the Best Actor Oscar) for the 1966 film version. He toured extensively with "King Lear" in the early 60s and was effective in the 1971 Peter Brook film. While his film appearances have been sporadic, Scofield has made vivid impressions particularly in a brief turn as the ghost of Hamlet's father in Franco Zeffirelli's "Hamlet" (1990), and as the troubled protagonist's principled father in Robert Redford's look at the 1950s game show scandals, "Quiz Show" (1994) which netted him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nod. He also earned praise as the judge in Nicholas Hytner's film version of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" (1996).
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Life Events
1939
Joined the Croyden Repertory Theatre at age 17
1941
Performed with Bideford Repertory Theatre
1944
Was member of Birmingham Repertory Theatre
1946
Reportedly turned down a seven-year contract from a Hollywood studio
1950
Debut as stage director, "Pericles"
1954
Screen debut in "That Lady"
1960
Created role of Sir Thomas More in "A Man for All Seasons" at London's West End (recreated role on Broadway in 1961)
1963
First film in nine years, "The Train"
1969
US TV debut, "Male of the Species"
1971
Played "King Lear" in Peter Brook's film adapatation
1989
Returned to films after a thirteen year absence, "Mrs. Corbett's Ghost"
1994
Played Mark Van Doren in Robert Redford's "Quiz Show"
1996
Appeared in Nicholas Hytner's film adaptation of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"
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Companions
Bibliography
Notes
Named a Commander in the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1956.
Scofield is the only British actor ever to decline a knighthood. (He did so in 1968.) He was awarded the title of Companion of Honour, however, in December 2000.
Awarded honorary degree (LL.D.) from University of Glasgow in 1968.
Awarded honorary degree (D.Litt.) from University of Kent at Canterbury in 1973.
Awarded honorary degree (D.Litt.) from Oxford University in June 2002.
John Gielgud once described Paul Scofield by saying, "He is withdrawn, remote, a sphinx without a secret."
