Ronald Millar

Sir Ronald Graeme Millar (12 November 1919 – 16 April 1998) was an English actor, scriptwriter, and dramatist. He also had a noteworthy career as a political speechwriter in the Conservative Party, and was particularly known for his collaboration with Margaret Thatcher.

Background Millar was born in Reading, Berkshire, on 12 November 1919. He was the son of a professional actress, Dorothy Dacre-Hill, and his father died when he was a year old. He also appeared in the 1943 war film We Dive at Dawn directed by Anthony Asquith. One of his most well-received productions was Abelard and Heloise featuring Keith Michell and Diana Rigg.

Career He established himself as a playwright after the war and, between 1948 and 1954, worked in Hollywood, writing scripts for MGM. In 1967 he adapted William Clark's novel Number 10for the stage. He also wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Robert and Elizabeth. Millar also suggested that Thatcher, on her entrance to 10 Downing Street, should use the words that were attributed to St Francis of Assisi: "Where there is discord, let us bring harmony". He was knighted after Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979.

He worked with Thatcher throughout her premiership, and continued with John Major. Paying tribute, Thatcher said that he helped her "express what I felt and meant" and that he was a man of remarkable artistic abilities and a "real believer in our whole philosophy'". John Major called him "a source of wise advice and wry comment".

Selected filmography Frieda (1947) So Evil My Love (1948) Train of Events (1949) The Miniver Story (1950) The Unknown Man (1951) Scaramouche (1952) Never Let Me Go (1953) Rose Marie (1954) Betrayed (1954)

Selected plays Frieda (1946) Waiting for Gillian (1954) The Bride and the Bachelor (1956) The Big Tickle (1958)