Brian Blessed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Blessed
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Blessed in 2012
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| Born | 9 October 1936 Mexborough, England
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| Education | Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BA) |
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| Years active | 1956–present |
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Works
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Filmography |
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| Children | 2 |
Brian Blessed is a famous English actor. He was born on October 9, 1936. People know him for his big, bushy beard, his very loud and booming voice, and his energetic personality.
He has played many memorable characters. These include PC "Fancy" Smith in Z-Cars, Prince Vultan in Flash Gordon, and King Richard IV in Blackadder. He also voiced Clayton in Disney's Tarzan and Boss Nass in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
In 2016, Brian Blessed received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award recognized his great work in the arts and his efforts for charity.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Brian Blessed was born in Mexborough, England, on October 9, 1936. His father, William Blessed, was a coal miner and a cricketer. His mother was Hilda Wall. Brian had a younger brother named Alan.
He went to Bolton on Dearne Secondary Modern School. After school, he served in the RAF (Royal Air Force). In 1956, he began studying at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This is a famous school for actors.
Acting Career
Brian Blessed started his acting career in the 1960s. One of his first big roles was PC "Fancy" Smith in the TV series Z-Cars from 1962 to 1965. In 1966, he was offered the main role of the Doctor in Doctor Who. However, he had to turn it down because he was busy with other projects.
Famous Roles in TV and Film
Blessed appeared in many popular TV shows. He played Porthos in The Three Musketeers (1967). He was also King Mark of Cornwall in Arthur of the Britons (1972–1973). In 1976, he played Caesar Augustus in the drama series I, Claudius.
He also appeared in two episodes of the science fiction show Space:1999. Later, he played Long John Silver in Return to Treasure Island (1986). He was also King Yrcanos in another Doctor Who story called Mindwarp (1986).
In movies, Brian Blessed is well-known for his role as Prince Vultan in Flash Gordon (1980). He also played Lord Loxley, Robin Hood's father, in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991).
Shakespeare and Comedy Roles
Brian Blessed has performed in many plays and films based on William Shakespeare's works. He appeared in four Shakespeare films directed by Kenneth Branagh. These include Henry V (1989) and Hamlet (1996).
He is also famous for his comedy roles. He played the funny King Richard IV in the first series of The Black Adder (1983). He has said this was one of his favorite roles.
Voice Acting and Other Appearances
In 1999, Brian Blessed provided the voice for Boss Nass in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. He also voiced the villain Clayton in Disney's animated movie Tarzan. He even performed the famous Tarzan yell for the film! He later voiced Clayton again in video games like Kingdom Hearts.
He has narrated stories for children's magazines like Story Teller. His voice has also been used for TomTom satellite navigation systems since 2010. He voices Grampy Rabbit in the popular children's cartoon Peppa Pig.
In 2002, he played Baron Bomburst in the stage musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has also played Captain Hook in Christmas pantomime shows like Peter Pan.
Adventures and Expeditions
Brian Blessed is not just an actor; he is also a keen explorer. He has tried to climb Mount Everest three times without extra oxygen. He reached very high points, but did not make it to the very top.
He has successfully climbed other tall mountains, like Aconcagua in Argentina and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He also went on an expedition into the jungles of Venezuela. During this trip, he survived a plane crash!
Brian Blessed is the oldest person to have reached the North Magnetic Pole on foot. He even tells a story about punching a polar bear on the nose during this adventure.
Other Work and Interests
Brian Blessed has completed 800 hours of space training in Russia. He has also been the President of the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC).
He has appeared on TV shows like Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes, where he impersonated opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. He has also been a guest host on the BBC's quiz show Have I Got News for You.
In 2014, he was featured in the BBC documentary series Who Do You Think You Are?. This show explores people's family history.
Personal Life
Brian Blessed has been married twice. His first marriage was to Ann Bomann, and they had a daughter named Catherine. He later married actress Hildegarde Neil in 1978. They had a daughter named Rosalind, who is also an actress. Hildegarde Neil passed away in 2023.
Brian Blessed lives in Windlesham, Surrey. He loves animals and is a supporter of animal charities. He is also a black belt in judo.
In 2015, Brian Blessed had a health issue while performing in a play. He had to take a break from acting and was fitted with a pacemaker to help his heart.
Awards and Recognition
Brian Blessed has received honorary degrees from the University of Bradford and Sheffield Hallam University. The University of York's Douglas Adams Society gave him the honorary title of "Official Shoutsperson."
In 2011, students at the University of York named a new study area the "Brian Blessed Centre for Quiet Study." He was also nominated to be the chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
As mentioned earlier, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 for his contributions to the arts and charity.
See also
In Spanish: Brian Blessed para niños
