Contents
Last updated on the 14 June 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 26 April 1947, Oldham, Lancashire, England.Â
Warren Clarke was the son of a stained-glass maker and a secretary, Clarke left school at 15, taking a job as a copy boy at the Manchester Evening News. Yet, a passion for the stage simmered beneath the surface. He soon found himself drawn to amateur dramatics, developing his craft at the Huddersfield Repertory Theatre. This early immersion convinced him to pursue acting full-time and with a touch of youthful bravado, he swapped his birth name Alan for “Warren”, inspired by his girlfriend’s admiration for Warren Beatty.
Warren Clarke’s dedication paid off. He landed his first professional role in 1964, appearing in a bit part on British television. His early career was a steady climb, with appearances in popular shows like “Coronation Street,” where he played two different characters over the years. The turning point came in 1971 with Stanley Kubrick’s controversial masterpiece, “A Clockwork Orange.” Clarke’s portrayal of Dim, a menacing member of a violent youth gang called the Droogs, left a lasting impression. The film’s critical acclaim and notoriety propelled Clarke into the spotlight.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Clarke established himself as a versatile character actor. He tackled historical figures like Winston Churchill in “Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill” and complex literary characters like the murderous schoolmaster Bradley Headstone in “Our Mutual Friend.”
In the 1984 series “The Jewel in the Crown” by Granada Television, Clarke portrayed the character of ‘Sophie’ Dixon, a proudly gay individual.
However, it was the role of Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel in the long-running detective series “Dalziel and Pascoe” that cemented Clarke’s status as a household name. From 1996 to 2007, he brought the gruff, working-class detective to life with a blend of humour and gravitas. Dalziel, a stark contrast to Clarke’s own personality, became his signature role, showcasing his ability to inhabit characters far removed from himself.
In his later years he played the uptight Mr. Boythorn in the BBC’s adaptation of “Bleak House,” a retired burglar in “The Invisibles” and a corrupt police superintendent in the gritty crime drama “Red Riding.”
In 2014, Clarke started his role as Charles Poldark in the filming of Poldark. His last appearance in the series was in episode four, where Charles Poldark lies on his deathbed before passing away. This scene marked Clarke’s final performance as an actor, as he was severely ill during filming and passed away from pancreatic cancer a few weeks later. The first episode of the series was dedicated to his memory.
Warren Clarke was married twice, having a son, Rowan, from his first marriage and a daughter, Georgia Mabel, from his second.
Warren Clarke’s legacy lives on through his extensive body of work. He leaves behind a filmography rich in variety, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. From the chilling intensity of Dim to the gruff charm of Dalziel, Clarke carved out a unique space in British cinema and television, entertaining audiences for over five decades.
Suggested viewing
Dalziel and Pascoe (1996)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4
An unlikely partnership blossoms between two detectives in Yorkshire. The gruff, old-school Dalziel clashes with the university educated, up-and-coming Pascoe, but together they tackle perplexing murder cases, their contrasting styles ultimately proving key to solving the crimes.
Top cast: Warren Clarke, Colin Buchanan, David Royle, Jennifer James, Wayne Perrey, Susannah Corbett, Joe Savino, Jo-Anne Stockham, James Puddephatt, Jemma Hines, Naomi Bentley.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
In a dystopian future, a charismatic teen leads a violent gang on a nightly rampage. Captured and offered a controversial treatment to end his taste for brutality, he’s released, only to find his free will compromised and his own capacity for violence turned against him.
Top cast: Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, Mary Steenburgen, Warren Clarke, Charles Cioffi, Kent Williams, Patti D’Arbanville, Andonia Katsaros, James Garrett.
The Jewel in the Crown (1984)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4
Set against the backdrop of India’s fight for independence, a young British woman’s brutal assault ignites racial tensions, while a complex web of relationships unravels as the British Raj crumbles and both sides grapple with a changing world.
Top cast: Tim Pigott-Smith, Geraldine James, Wendy Morgan, Charles Dance, Art Malik, Saeed Jaffrey, Warren Clarke, Rosemary Leach, Peggy Ashcroft.
