Michael Brandon

Michael Brandon (born Michael Feldman; April 20, 1945) is an American actor. He is known for his role as James Dempsey in the British drama series ''Dempsey and Makepeace'' (1985–1986) and narrating the American dub of the children's television series ''Thomas & Friends'' (2004–2012). His theatre credits include the original Broadway production of '' Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?'' (1969), and Jerry Springer in the West End production of '' Jerry Springer: The Opera'' (2003–2004).

Early life

Brandon was born Michael Feldman in Brooklyn, New York on April 20, 1945, to Miriam (née Tumen) and Sol Feldman. At age nine, he and his family moved to Valley Stream, New York, where he attended Memorial Junior High and graduated from Valley Stream Central High School. Brandon then attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his debut on Broadway before turning to cinema. He is of Jewish heritage.

Career

Brandon starred in the TV series ''Dempsey and Makepeace'' and '' Dinotopia'', the movies '' Quattro mosche di velluto grigio'' (1971), '' F.M.'' (1978), '' A Vacation In Hell'' (1979) and ''A Change of Seasons'' (1980), and the plays '' Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?'' and '' Jerry Springer - The Opera''.
Since moving to the UK, Brandon has worked in television shows such as ''The Bill'', ''Trial & Retribution'', and '' Dead Man Weds''. He also played the title role in the musical '' Jerry Springer: The Opera'' for over a year in the National Theatre and after its transfer into the West End. Brandon starred in ''Singin' in the Rain'' in the summer of 2012.

In 2004, he became the fourth American narrator and Alec Baldwin's replacement from the seventh through the sixteenth seasons of the children's television series ''Thomas & Friends'' and has also narrated four of the CGI film specials, including ''Hero of the Rails'', '' Misty Island Rescue'', ''Day of the Diesels'', and '' Blue Mountain Mystery'', until departing from the role in 2012. In February 2008, he began his talk radio show on City Talk (now Greatest Hits Radio Liverpool & The North West), a new local radio station in Liverpool. In 2008, he appeared in the Series 4 finale of the BBC's ''Doctor Who'', as General Sanchez, a UNIT officer. Also in 2008, he appeared in the television series ''Bones'', as Roger Frampton, an American millionaire.

In 2011, Brandon guest-starred in an episode of the BBC1 con drama '' Hustle'' as Marcus Wendell (series 7, episode 3). Also in 2011, he was seen in a supporting role in the film '' Captain America: The First Avenger'' as a politician who befriends the titular character. In September 2013 he appeared in the ITV dancing show '' Stepping Out'' with wife Glynis Barber. In 2017, he collaborated with producer/director Guy Masterson to create his autobiographical stand-up comedy, ''Off Ramps'' which hit at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2022, he appeared in an episode of ''Casualty'' on BBC1.

Personal life

Brandon lived with actress Kim Novak for 18 months in 1973–74."Biography"
Official website Brandon was married to actress Lindsay Wagner from 1976 to 1979. He has been married to actress Glynis Barber, with whom he co-starred in '' Dempsey & Makepeace'', since 18 November 1989. They remain in the United Kingdom. The couple have a son.

Filmography

Film

Television

Video games

Theatre

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Brandon, Michael
American male film actors
American male voice actors
American male television actors
American expatriate male actors
Male actors from Brooklyn
Valley Stream Central High School alumni
1945 births
Living people
American expatriates in the United Kingdom
American expatriates in England