Peter Copley

Peter Copley (20 May 1915 – 7 October 2008) was an English television, film and stage actor.

Biography Copley was born in Bushey, Hertfordshire, son of the printmakers John Copley and Ethel Gabain.

After changing his mind about joining the Royal Navy, he studied at the Old Vic School and started out as a stage actor in 1932. He made his first film appearance in 1934, going on to play a wide variety of characters from the villainous to the meek and mild. In 1946, he appeared on stage in "Cyrano de Bergerac" at the New Theatre in London. In 1951 he appeared at the Duchess Theatre in London's West End in the comedy play The Happy Family by Michael Clayton Hutton.

TV credits include Thorndyke, Danger Man, The Saint, The Avengers, The Forsyte Saga, The Troubleshooters, The Champions, Department S, Doomwatch, Z-Cars, Callan,Fall of Eagles, Survivors, Bless Me, Father (episode "A Legend Comes to Stay"), Father Brown (episode "The Curse of the Golden Cross"), Doctor Who (in the serial Pyramids of Mars), Sutherland's Law, Tales of the Unexpected, Miss Marple ("Nemesis" episode"), Lovejoy, The Bill, Cadfael, The Diamond Brothers: South by South East and One Foot in the Grave.

Copley continued to act well into his nineties.

A resident of Bristol, Copley was awarded an Honorary Degree of Master of Arts by the University of the West of England in 2001.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1937 Farewell Again Minor Role Uncredited 1950 Golden Salamander Aribi The Elusive Pimpernel Tailor Uncredited 1952 The Promoter Shillitoe Uncredited The Hour of 13 Cummings 1953 The Sword and the Rose Sir Edwin Caskoden The Clue of the Missing Ape His Excellency Uncredited Saadia Leader Mokhazenis 1955 The Woman for Joe Mr. Worthington Uncredited 1956 Foreign Intrigue Brown Peril for the Guy Ritter 1957 Time Without Pity Prison Chaplain The Smallest Show on Earth Hank in 'The Mystery of Hell Valley' Uncredited The Man Without a Body Leslie Just My Luck Gilbert Weaver 1958 A Tale of Two Cities Mellor Uncredited The Strange World of Planet X News Editor Uncredited Rockets Galore! Scientist UncreditedTelevision Playwright (i) Mr. Chambers (ii) Aubrey Davis (iii) Mr. Baldock-Evans 3 episodes: "The Maitland Scandal", "Hour of the Rat", and "The Board of Management". 1959 The Mystery in the Mine Tom Abbott 1960 Follow That Horse! Garrod 1961 Victim Paul Mandrake 1964 The Third Secret Dr. Leo Whitset King & Country Colonel 1965 The Knack ...and How to Get It Picture Owner Help! Jeweller 1967 The Jokers Defence Lawyer Uncredited Quatermass and the Pit Howell 1968 The Shoes of the Fisherman English Cardinal 1969 Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed Principal Mosquito Squadron Mr. Scott Walk a Crooked Path Dr. Oberon 1970 Jane Eyre John TV movie All at Sea Mr. Gordon 1972 What Became of Jack and Jill? Dickson That's Your Funeral 1st Funeral Director 1973 Gawain and the Green Knight Pilgrim 1975 Hennessy Home Secretary Doctor Who Doctor Warlock Episode: "Pyramids of Mars" Survivors Dr George Bronson, Deaf School Teacher Episode: "The Fourth Horseman" 1976 Shout at the Devil Admiral Howe Peer Gynt 1977 The Black Panther 1978 The Famous Five Mr Finniston Episode: "Five on Finniston Farm" 1980 Little Lord Fauntleroy Rev. Muldaur1981Bless me, FatherFather AbeEpisode: "A Legend Comes to Stay" 1982 Witness for the Prosecution Dr. Harrison TV movie1983The Forgotten StoryMr. Cowdray1 episode1984Strangers and Brothers Despard-Smith2 episodes1986Miss Marple: NemesisArchdeacon Brabazon 1987 Empire of the Sun British Prisoner #10 1992 A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia Maitland TV movie 1994 Second Best Percy Cadfael Abbot (later Brother) Heribert 4 episodes 1999 Janice Beard 45 WPM Sean's Father 2005 Kingdom of Heaven Old Pilgram (director's cut) Oliver Twist Dining Hall Master