Desmond McNamara

Desmond McNamara (29 April 1938 – 7 June 2022) was an English actor on the stage, radio, television and film.

McNamara was born on 29 April 1938 in Hackney, London, to Arthur and Winifred McNamara. He took on National Service in the RAF before becoming a printer. In 1961, he married Pam Bentley, and they had two sons.

From 1966, he trained at RADA before joining Birmingham Repertory Company, then the Young Vic in 1970, then the Royal National Theatre, to the part of Merlin in Camelot in 1996.

Films included The Great Paper Chase (1986), Staggered (1994), Shakespeare in Love (1998) and Lucky Break (2001).

Television appearances included Hazell, The Bill, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Fortunes of War, Roll Over Beethoven, and All at No 20.

McNamara died in Homerton University Hospital, Hackney, London on 7 June 2022, aged 84 from pneumonia and influenza. At the time of his death, he was also suffering from dementia.

Filmography

Film

Television Les