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Last updated on the 9 April 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 21 January 1922, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
Paul Scofield achieved the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Academy Award, Emmy and Tony for his work.
He was the second son of a successful West End artist, Edward Harry Scofield and his wife Mary. Schofield attended the Varndean School for Boys in Brighton, where he excelled in drama and displayed his natural talent for performance.
After completing his schooling, Scofield pursued his passion for acting and enrolled at the Croydon Repertory Theatre in London to receive formal training. His dedication and talent quickly caught the attention of theatre producers, leading to his professional debut on the London stage in 1940.
Paul Scofield’s breakthrough on the big screen came with his role as Sir Thomas More in the 1966 film adaptation of Robert Bolt’s play “A Man for All Seasons.” His portrayal of the principled and steadfast More garnered widespread praise and earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. This role solidified Scofield’s reputation as one of the most distinguished actors of his generation and opened up opportunities for him in the world of cinema.
In addition to his success in film, Scofield made notable appearances on television, showcasing his versatility as an actor. One of his most memorable television roles was in the ATV production of “Male of the Species” in 1969, where he delivered a compelling performance as the character Sir Emlyn Bowen, Q. C.
He was married to actress Joy Parker, with whom he shared two children. Scofield’s commitment to his family and his dedication to his craft earned him respect and admiration from his peers in the entertainment industry. Known for his humility and professionalism, he was regarded as a consummate actor who approached each role with integrity and depth.
WINNER | Film: Most Promising Newcomer To Film for That Lady (1956) | Film: British Actor for A Man For All Seasons (1968) | Film: Actor in a Supporting Role for The Crucible (1997)
WINNER |Â Best Actor in a Leading Role for A Man for All Seasons (1967)
Suggested viewing
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.7
“A Man for All Seasons” is a historical drama set in the 16th century, centering around Thomas More’s moral and ethical convictions amidst political turmoil. The story unfolds as he grapples with the complexities of loyalty and honour in the face of power struggles and personal dilemmas, showcasing the clash between principles and pragmatism.
Top cast: Paul Scofield, Wendy Hiller, Leo McKern, Robert Shaw, Orson Welles, Susannah York, Nigel Davenport, John Hurt, Vanessa Redgrave.
Related to
   
Mister Corbett’s Ghost (1987)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1
“Mister Corbett’s Ghost” follows the mysterious events that unfold after a man inherits a haunted cottage from his uncle, Mr. Corbett. As he begins to uncover the secrets of the past, strange occurrences and ghostly encounters threaten to unravel the truth behind the unsettling legacy left behind by his deceased relative.
Top cast: Paul Scofield, John Huston, Mark Farmer, Burgess Meredith, Alexei Sayle, Mark Lewis, Jools Holland.
The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank (1988)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8
In the midst of the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, Otto Frank opts to conceal his Jewish family when his daughter Margot gets summoned for transportation to a Nazi labour camp. Miep Gies, Otto Frank’s secretary, shelters them in the attic above the office. The film narrates Gies’ real-life challenges in safeguarding the family from detection and harm as the Nazis cause chaos in Amsterdam.
Top cast: Mary Steenburgen, Paul Scofield, Victor Spinetti, Tom Wilkinson, Lisa Jacobs, Huub Stapel, Eleanor Bron.
Alternative version
Male of the Species (1969)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9
Mary MacNeil learned a harsh lesson about trust from her experiences with three men: her father, a deceitful womaniser; an office flirt, Cornelius; and an aging barrister, Emlyn, who was captivated by Mary’s vigour and charm. In the end, only one of these men will capture her heart.
The TV plays “Male of the Species” were originally developed as three episodes for the British ‘ITV Saturday Night Theatre’ series. In the UK, they were titled ‘Macneil’ with Sean Connery, ‘Cornelius’ with Michael Caine and ‘Emlyn’ with Paul Scofield.
Top cast: Paul Scofield, Michael Caine, Anna Calder-Marshall, Sean Connery, Laurence Olivier.
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
 Paul Scofield Gallery
