Robert Hardy

Last updated on the 3 May 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: 29 October 1925, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,England. 

Robert Hardy was a celebrated English actor with a distinguished career across theatre, film, and television. He was the son of Henry Harrison Hardy, MBE, and Edith Jocelyn, whose lineage traced back to the gentry family of Wroxall Abbey, Warwickshire.

Robert Hardy’s early years included education at esteemed establishments. He studied at Rugby School before continuing his education at Magdalen College, Oxford. His academic pursuits were paused by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Air Force. Part of his pilot training took place in Terrell, Texas, as part of the British Flying Training School Program. Despite a brief visit to Los Angeles during his leave from flight training, Hardy’s acting career would later flourish predominantly in the United Kingdom.

After the war, Hardy returned to Oxford and completed his BA (Hons) in English. He cherished the time spent under the tutelage of literary giants C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, despite describing his degree as “shabby” on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.

Robert Hardy’s acting career began in the classical realm. Hardy’s first major opportunity arrived in 1959 with his portrayal of the King of France in Tyrone Guthrie’s production of “All’s Well That Ends Well” at Stratford-upon-Avon. This was quickly followed by his role as Sicinius opposite Laurence Olivier in Peter Hall’s staging of “Coriolanus.” Hardy’s Shakespearean prowess was further showcased in productions like “Henry V” and “Twelfth Night,” where he played Sir Toby Belch for the BBC Television Shakespeare production.

The actor gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Siegfried Farnon in the BBC television series “All Creatures Great and Small” and as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter film series. His depiction of Winston Churchill in several productions, starting with the Southern Television series “Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years” was particularly acclaimed. Hardy’s performances earned him BAFTA nominations for Best Actor for both “All Creatures Great and Small” in 1980 and “Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years” in 1982.

Outside of his acting career, Hardy was a recognised authority on the medieval English longbow, and he wrote two books on the topic. His passion for history was evident in his work, and he presented documentaries on historical figures such as Henry V and Gordon of Khartoum.

On a personal note, Robert Hardy was married twice, first to Elizabeth Fox from 1952 to 1956 and then to Sally Pearson from 1961 to 1986. His legacy is not only in the memorable characters he brought to life but also in his contributions to historical knowledge and the arts.

Robert Hardy passed away on August 3, 2017, at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich tapestry of artistic and scholarly work that continues to inspire.

Suggested viewing

All Creatures Great and Small (1978)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

This heartwarming series follows a young veterinarian named James Herriot in the 1930s Yorkshire Dales. Fresh out of vet school, James joins a practice in a rural community. The show explores the challenges and rewards of treating a wide variety of animals, from large farm animals to cherished pets. As James builds relationships with both the animals and their owners, he also experiences the eccentricities of his colleagues and the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.

Top cast: Robert Hardy, Christopher Timothy, Peter Davison, Lynda Bellingham, Carol Drinkwater, Mary Hignett, John McGlynn, Andrea Gibb, Jean Heywood.

Alternative version

Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years (1981)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5

This British television drama depicts a decade in Winston Churchill’s life when he was out of favour with the government. During this period, from 1929 to 1939, Churchill warned about the growing threat of Nazi Germany while facing opposition from leaders who appeased Hitler. Despite political exile and personal challenges, Churchill persevered in his convictions, laying the groundwork for his future role as wartime Prime Minister.

Top cast: Robert Hardy, Siân Phillips, Eric Porter, Tim Pigott-Smith, Peter Barkworth, Nigel Havers, Paul Freeman, Phil Brown, Edward Woodward, Peter Vaughan, Sherrie Hewson.

Churchill: 100 Days That Saved Britain (2015)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

This documentary explores a critical period in British history, focusing on the 100 days leading up to the Battle of Britain. As Nazi Germany intensifies its air raids, the newly appointed Prime Minister faces unimaginable pressure. The film delves into the wartime leader’s strategic decisions, the immense burden of responsibility and the spirit that helped Britain defend itself during this perilous time.

Top cast: Robert Hardy, Jemma Redgrave, Phil Davis, Edwin Thomas, Nigel Anthony.

Related to

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)