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Last updated on the 10 June 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 8 April 1944, Garnant, Carmarthenshire, Wales.
Hywel Bennett was a charismatic Welsh actor who left his mark on both the silver screen and the living room. His journey began in a Welsh-speaking household, but a move to South London at the age of four introduced him to the “London-Welsh” accent that would later grace his performances. Bennett wasn’t alone in his artistic aspirations; his brother, Alun Lewis, would also find success as an actor.
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Bennett’s career. Sunnyhill School, Henry Thornton Grammar School, and finally, the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) developed his skills and prepared him for the competitive world of acting. RADA, which has produced countless stars, served as a launchpad for Bennett, equipping him with the technical expertise and confidence to compete in the demanding world of professional acting.
Hywel Bennett’s breakthrough came in 1966 with the film “The Family Way.” Playing opposite the effervescent Hayley Mills, he earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of a young man struggling with the complexities of marriage and parenthood. This success wasn’t a one-off. He and Mills would reunite for two more films, “Twisted Nerve” (1968) and “Endless Night” (1972), solidifying their on-screen chemistry and establishing Bennett as a star.
The 1970s saw Bennett flourish in a variety of film roles, showcasing his versatility. He played a charming rogue in “Loot” (1970) and a troubled artist in “Percy” (1971). However, it was television that would propel him to national recognition. In 1979, he landed the lead role in the sitcom “Shelley.” The show, which ran for an impressive thirteen years, cemented Bennett’s place in British pop culture. He played James Shelley, a witty and sardonic writer with a penchant for finding himself in hilarious situations. “Shelley” became a national treasure, with Bennett’s performance a cornerstone of its success.
Beyond his professional life, Bennett’s personal life was a mixed bag. He was married twice, first to singer Cathy McGowan and later to Sandra Layne Fulford. He had a daughter, Emma Bennett, who remained largely out of the public eye. Sadly, in 2007, Bennett was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, forcing him to retire from acting. He passed away ten years later, on July 25th, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable characters.
Hywel Bennett’s career serves as a testament to the transformative power of acting. From his Welsh roots to the bright lights of London, he carved a niche for himself, bringing humour and depth to a multitude of roles. While his career was tragically cut short, his performances in films like “The Family Way” and his iconic portrayal of James Shelley in “Shelley” continue to entertain audiences today.
Suggested viewing
Shelley (1979)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5
A sardonic, perpetually unemployed intellectual with a doctorate degree finds himself in constant clashes with authority figures and struggles to keep his girlfriend and landlady happy, all while grappling with the absurdities of everyday life.
Top cast: Hywel Bennett, Belinda Sinclair, Josephine Tewson.
The Family Way (1966)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3
Honeymoon plans dashed, a young couple finds themselves living with the husband’s parents. Coping with cramped quarters, societal expectations and their own anxieties, they wrestle with intimacy and the humorous hurdles of starting a family.
Top cast: Hayley Mills, Hywel Bennett, Barry Foster, Avril Angers, John Comer, Wilfred Pickles, John Mills, Marjorie Rhodes, Murray Head, Liz Fraser, Thorley Walters.
Twisted Nerve (1968)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0
A disturbed young man concocts a twisted plan to befriend a woman, adopting a childlike persona to gain her trust. As his obsession deepens and his true nature emerges, a deadly game of manipulation and murder unfolds.
Top cast: Hayley Mills, Hywel Bennett, Billie Whitelaw, Phyllis Calvert, Barry Foster, Frank Finlay, Salmaan Peerzada, Christian Roberts, Gretchen Franklin, Thorley Walters.
Endless Night (1972)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.0
A dream home built on supposedly cursed land becomes a nightmare for a newlywed couple. As strange occurrences plague them and suspicions arise, they must uncover the truth and fight for their lives amidst a chilling mystery. Based on the novel by Agatha Christie.
Top cast: Hayley Mills, Hywel Bennett, Britt Ekland, Per Oscarsson, George Sanders, Aubrey Richards, Ann Way, Peter Bowles, Lois Maxwell.
