There's something idiotic and
at the same time rather
exciting about Cannes
Sir Nigel Hawthorne CBE
B: 5 April 1929
D: 26 December 2001 aged 72
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Like so many fine actors of his day, Denholm Elliott included, Nigel Hawthorne came to enjoy
the fruits of his labour only in his later years, having achieved critical acclaim in the
1980s thanks to his memorable depiction of scheming civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleby
in the hugely popular BBC political satire YES MINISTER and its sequel YES PRIME
MINISTER, for which he won four BAFTA® awards.
Fondly known for his dignified portrayal of an aging gay critic in the Jennifer Aniston feature
THE OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION / 1998, Hawthorne continued to mix his love of the stage with a
series of television and film appearances, works that included GANDHI / 1982,
RICHARD III / 1995 and AMISTAD / 1997.
His defining role however remains his captivating performance on stage and screen as King
George III in Alan Bennett's theatrical masterpiece THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE, one
that was to see him receive both an Olivier Award and Academy® nomination.
An intensely private person, Hawthorne rose above the crude media interest in his private life
in the run-up to the ceremony itself, being one of the few gay actors, Ian McKellen
included, to attend the Academy® Awards with his partner.
Then again, he had always been proud of his own object of affection, namely his longtime
companion Trevor Bentham.
He exited stage left in December 2001 and is forever remembered for his services to the theatre,
film and television and as a true gent of the stage.
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