Michael John Elphick (19 September 1946 – 7 September 2002) was an English film and television actor. He played the eponymous private investigator in the

ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: Television TV stations/networks/channels ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network and company, including: **ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network in the United Kingd ...

series '' Boon'' and Harry Slater in

BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...

's ''

EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the ...

''. He was nominated for a

BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor Best Actor in a Supporting Role is a British Academy Film Award presented annually by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to recognise an actor who has delivered an outstanding supporting performance in a film. The British Ac ...

for his performance in the 1983 film '' Gorky Park''. With his gruff Sussex accent and lip-curling sneer, he often played menacing hard men. Elphick struggled with an addiction to alcohol; at the height of his problem, he admitted to consuming two litres (½ gallon) of spirits a day, which contributed to his death from a heart attack in 2002.

Early life

Elphick grew up in

Chichester Chichester ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, cathedral city and civil parish in the Chichester District, Chichester district of West Sussex, England.OS Explorer map 120: Chichester, South Harting and Selsey Scale: 1:25 000. Publisher ...

Sussex Sussex (Help:IPA/English, /ˈsʌsɪks/; from the Old English ''Sūþseaxe''; lit. 'South Saxons'; 'Sussex') is an area within South East England that was historically a kingdom of Sussex, kingdom and, later, a Historic counties of England, ...

, where his family had a butcher's shop. He was educated at Lancastrian Secondary Modern Boys School in Chichester, where he took part in several school productions including ''Noah'' and ''A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He initially considered joining the Merchant Navy and helped out in his local boatyard during school holidays. It has been reported that he stumbled upon acting by chance when, at the age of 15, he took a job as an

apprentice Apprenticeship is a system for training a potential new practitioners of a Tradesman, trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Apprenticeships may also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in ...

electrician An electrician is a tradesman, tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the ...

at the

Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester Festival Theatre is a theatre and Grade II* listed building situated in Oaklands Park in the city of Chichester, West Sussex, England. Designed by Philip Powell and Hidalgo Moya, it was opened by its founder Leslie Evershed-Mart ...

while it was being built. He gained an interest in acting whilst watching stars such as

Laurence Olivier Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier ( ; 22 May 1907 – 11 July 1989) was an English actor and director. He and his contemporaries Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud made up a trio of male actors who dominated the British stage of the m ...

Michael Redgrave Sir Michael Scudamore Redgrave (20 March 1908 – 21 March 1985) was an English actor and filmmaker. Beginning his career in theatre, he first appeared in the West End in 1937. He made his film debut in Alfred Hitchcock's ''The Lady Vanishes'' ...

and

Sybil Thorndike Dame Agnes Sybil Thorndike, Lady Casson (24 October 18829 June 1976) was an English actress whose stage career lasted from 1904 to 1969. Trained in her youth as a concert pianist, Thorndike turned to the stage when a medical problem with her h ...

. Olivier advised Elphick to go to drama school and gave him two speeches to use at auditions. Elphick was offered a number of places but decided to train at the

Central School of Speech and Drama The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, commonly shortened to Central, is a drama school founded by Elsie Fogerty in 1906, as the Central School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art, to offer a new form of training in speech and drama for ...

, in

Swiss Cottage Swiss Cottage is an area in the London Borough of Camden, England. It is centred on the junction of Avenue Road and Finchley Road and includes Swiss Cottage tube station. Swiss Cottage lies north-northwest of Charing Cross. The area was ...

(aged 18), because Olivier had attended there.

Career

After graduating from drama school Elphick was offered roles primarily as menacing heavies. He made his debut in ''Fraulein Doktor'' (an Italian-made

First World War World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

film circa 1968). He went on to play the Captain in

Tony Richardson Cecil Antonio Richardson (5 June 1928 – 14 November 1991) was an English theatre and film director, producer and screenwriter, whose career spanned five decades. He was identified with the "angry young men" group of British directors and play ...

's version of ''

Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a Shakespearean tragedy, tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play. Set in Denmark, the play (the ...

'' (1969); landed parts in cult films such as ''

The First Great Train Robbery ''The First Great Train Robbery'' (known in the United States as ''The Great Train Robbery'') is a 1978 British heist comedy film directed by Michael Crichton, who also wrote the screenplay based on his 1975 novel '' The Great Train Robbery' ...

'' and ''

The Elephant Man Joseph Carey Merrick (5 August 1862 – 11 April 1890) was an English man known for his severe physical deformities. He was first exhibited at a freak show under the stage name "The Elephant Man", and then went to live at the London Hospital, ...

'' and appeared in

Lindsay Anderson Lindsay Gordon Anderson (17 April 1923 – 30 August 1994) was a British feature-film, theatre and documentary director, film critic, and leading light of the Free Cinema movement and of the British New Wave. He is most widely remembered fo ...

's allegorical ''

O Lucky Man! ''O Lucky Man!'' is a 1973 British comedy-drama fantasy film directed by Lindsay Anderson and starring Malcolm McDowell as Mick Travis, whom McDowell had first played as a disaffected public schoolboy in his first film performance in Anderso ...

'' (1973). He was also seen as

Phil Daniels Philip William Daniels (born 25 October 1958) is an English actor, musician and singer, most noted for film and television roles playing Londoners, such as the lead role of Jimmy Cooper in ''Quadrophenia'', Richards in '' Scum'', Stewart in '' T ...

' father in the cult film ''

Quadrophenia ''Quadrophenia'' is the sixth studio album by the English rock band the Who, released as a double album on 26 October 1973 by Track Records. It is the group's third rock opera, the previous two being the "mini-opera" song "A Quick One, While ...

'' (1979), as Pasha in '' Gorky Park'' (1983) and as the poacher, Jake, in ''

Withnail & I ''Withnail and I'' is a 1987 British black comedy film written and directed by Bruce Robinson. Loosely based on Robinson's life in London in the late 1960s, the plot follows two unemployed actors, Withnail and "I" (portrayed by Richard E. Grant ...

'' (1987). In 1984 he played the lead, Fisher, a British detective recalling under hypnosis a dystopian, crumbling Europe and his hunt for a serial killer, in Lars von Trier's

Palme D'Or The (; ) is the highest prize awarded to the director of the Best Feature Film of the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It was introduced in 1955 by the festival's organizing committee. Previously, from 1939 to 1954, the festiv ...

nominated debut film, ''

The Element of Crime ''The'' is a grammatical article in English, denoting nouns that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The ...

''. On stage, Elphick played Marcellus and the Player King in Tony Richardson's stage version of ''Hamlet'' at the

Roundhouse Theatre The Roundhouse Theatre is a theatre-in-the-round located in the Kelvin Grove Urban Village, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is Australia's only purpose-built theatre in the round. The building is owned by Queensland University of Technolo ...

and on Broadway and he later played Claudius to

Jonathan Pryce Sir Jonathan Pryce (born John Price; 1 June 1947) is a Welsh actor. He is known for his performances on stage and in film and television. He has received numerous awards, including two Tony Awards and two Laurence Olivier Awards as well as nom ...

's Hamlet at the

Royal Court Theatre The Royal Court Theatre, at different times known as the Court Theatre, the New Chelsea Theatre, and the Belgravia Theatre, is a West End theatre#London's non-commercial theatres, non-commercial theatre in Sloane Square, London, England, opene ...

, directed by

Richard Eyre Sir Richard Charles Hastings Eyre (born 28 March 1943) is an English film, theatre, television and opera director. Eyre has received numerous accolades including three Laurence Olivier Awards as well as nominations for six BAFTA Awards and two ...

. In 1981 he appeared in the

Ray Davies Sir Raymond Douglas Davies ( ; born 21 June 1944) is an English musician. He was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter for the Rock music, rock band the Kinks, which he led, with his younger brother Dave Davies, Dave pro ...

Barrie Keeffe __NOTOC__ Barrie Colin Keeffe (31 October 1945 – 10 December 2019) was an English dramatist and screenwriter. Best known for his screenplay for the gangster classic ''The Long Good Friday'' (1980), starring Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren, Keeffe ...

musical ''

Chorus Girls ''Chorus Girls'' was a 1981 musical written by The Kinks lead singer and songwriter Ray Davies, who collaborated with ''The Long Good Friday'' screenwriter Barrie Keeffe.Kitts, Thomas M.. Ray Davies: Not Like Everybody Else'. N.p., Taylor & ...

'' at the

Theatre Royal, Stratford East Stratford East (formerly known as Theatre Royal Stratford East) is a 460 seat Victorian producing theatre in Stratford in the London Borough of Newham. Since 1953, it has been the home of the Theatre Workshop company, famously associated with di ...

and he was also seen in ''

The Changing Room ''The Changing Room'' is a 1971 play by David Storey, set in a men's changing room before, during and after a rugby league football game. It premiered at the Royal Court Theatre on 9 November 1971, directed by Lindsay Anderson. The 1973 Broadway ...

'', directed by Lindsay Anderson, at the Royal Court Theatre. His last West End stage appearance was in 1997 as Doolittle in '' Pygmalion'' directed by

Ray Cooney Raymond George Alfred Cooney Order of the British Empire, OBE (born 30 May 1932) is an English playwright, actor, and director. His biggest success, ''Run for Your Wife (play), Run for Your Wife'' (1983), ran for nine years in London's West E ...

at the

Albery Theatre Albery is a name. It may refer to: Given name * Albery Allson Whitman (1851−1901), African American poet, minister and orator Surname * A. S. Albery, British politician * Bronson Albery (1881−1971), English theatre director and impresario * Do ...

. However, it was for his television roles that Elphick became best known. He briefly appeared in ''

Coronation Street ''Coronation Street'' (colloquially referred to as ''Corrie'') is a British television soap opera created by ITV Granada, Granada Television and shown on ITV (TV network), ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres on a cobbled, terraced ...

'' (1974) as Douglas Wormold, son of the landlord Edward, who for many years owned most of the properties in the road. Douglas unsuccessfully tried to buy the newsagent shop The Kabin from

Len Fairclough Len Fairclough is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Peter Adamson between his introduction in 1961 and the character's axing in 1983. Creation and casting Adamson was a former extra and t ...

. He played three characters in the popular

Granada Television ITV Granada, formerly known as Granada Television, is the ITV (TV network), ITV franchisee for the North West of England and Isle of Man. From 1956 to 1968 it broadcast to both the north west and Yorkshire on weekdays only, as ABC Weekend TV, ...

series ''

Crown Court The Crown Court is the criminal trial court, court of first instance in England and Wales responsible for hearing all indictable offences, some Hybrid offence, either way offences and appeals of the decisions of magistrates' courts. It is ...

'': in 1973 as a defendant; in 1975 as a witness (Frank Hollins, private secretary to a female

soprano A soprano () is a type of classical singing voice and has the highest vocal range of all voice types. The soprano's vocal range (using scientific pitch notation) is from approximately middle C (C4) = 261 Hertz, Hz to A5 in Choir, choral ...

in the episode ''Songbirds out of Tune''); and from 1975 to 1983 as the barrister Neville Griffiths Q.C. He played one of the main roles in the film ''Black Island'' in 1978 for the Children's Film Foundation, played a villain in ''

The Sweeney ''The Sweeney'' is a British police drama television series focusing on two members of the Flying Squad, a branch of the Metropolitan Police specialising in tackling armed robbery and violent crime in London. It stars John Thaw as Detective ...

'' episode "One of Your Own" (1978) and played a policeman in '' The Professionals'' episode "Backtrack" (1979) and had a minor role in '' Hazell'' (1979), and appeared in the

Dennis Potter Dennis Christopher George Potter (17 May 1935 – 7 June 1994) was an English television dramatist, screenwriter and journalist. He is best known for his BBC television serials '' Pennies from Heaven'' (1978) and '' The Singing Detective'' ...

play ''

Blue Remembered Hills "Blue Remembered Hills" is the 14th episode of the ninth season of the British BBC anthology TV series ''Play for Today''. The episode was a television play that was originally broadcast on 30 January 1979. "Blue Remembered Hills" was written by ...

'' (1979). Elphick took the title role in

Jack Pulman Jack Pulman (11 July 1925 – 20 May 1979) was a British television screenwriter, most famous for the 1976 BBC television series, '' I, Claudius'', based on the novels ''I, Claudius'' and ''Claudius the God'' by Robert Graves. Biography Born ...

's six part comedy-drama ''

Private Schulz ''Private Schulz'' is a 1981 BBC television comedy drama serial set mostly in Germany, during and immediately after World War II. It stars Michael Elphick in the title role and Ian Richardson playing various parts. Other notable actors included ...

'' (1981). Here he played alongside

Ian Richardson Ian William Richardson (7 April 19349 February 2007) was a Scottish actor. He was best known for his portrayal of Conservative politician Francis Urquhart in the BBC's '' House of Cards'' (1990–1995) television trilogy, as well as the pivot ...

the German forger Gerhard Schulz, who is conscripted into SS Counter Espionage during the

Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

to destroy the British economy by flooding it with forged money. He appeared as the Irish labourer Magowan during the first series of ''

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet ''Auf Wiedersehen, Pet'' () is a British comedy-drama television programme about seven British construction workers who leave the United Kingdom to search for employment overseas. In the first series, the men live and work on a building site ...

'' (1983) and starred as Sidney Mundy in the ITV sitcom ''Pull the Other One'' (1984), before playing Sam Tyler in four series of ''

Three Up, Two Down ''Three Up, Two Down'' is a British sitcom starring Michael Elphick and Angela Thorne which ran from 15 April 1985 to 18 June 1989. It was written by Richard Ommanney. The plot revolves around a stuck-up widow and a down-to-earth widower who ...

'' (1985–89). In 1986 Elphick landed his biggest television success, '' Boon'' (1986–92, 1995). He played Ken Boon, a retired fireman who opened a motorbike despatch business and later became a private investigator. Boon was very successful and ran for seven series, attracting audiences of 11 million at its peak. There was also a one-off episode screened in 1995, two years after it had been made. During breaks from Boon, Elphick continued to act in film with cameo roles in '' The Krays'' (1990) and ''

Let Him Have It ''Let Him Have It'' is a 1991 British drama film directed by Peter Medak and starring Christopher Eccleston, Paul Reynolds, Tom Courtenay and Tom Bell. The film is based on the true story of Derek Bentley, who was convicted of the murder of a ...

'' (1991), and in 1991 he played Des King in '' Buddy's Song'', starring

Chesney Hawkes Chesney Lee Hawkes (born 22 September 1971) is an English singer and occasional actor. He started his career at the age of 19 when he appeared in the film '' Buddy's Song'', which featured his best-known single " The One and Only", which topped ...

and

Roger Daltrey Sir Roger Harry Daltrey (born 1 March 1944) is an English singer, musician and actor. He is the co-founder and lead vocalist of the Rock music, rock band the Who, known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. His stage persona ear ...

. For Independent Television company TSW, he took a rare TV presenting role, alongside

Don Henderson Donald Francis Henderson (10 November 1931 – 22 June 1997) was an English actor. He was known for playing both "tough guy" roles and authority figures, and is remembered for his portrayal of detective George Bulman between 1976 and 1987 in ...

from ''

The XYY Man ''The XYY Man'' is a series which began in 1970 as a series of novels by Kenneth Royce, featuring the character of William "Spider" Scott, a one-time cat-burglar who leaves prison aiming to go straight. Adapted for television, ''The XYY Man'' ...

'', in the food programme ''The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Cookery''. In 1993 Elphick took the role of a former

Fleet Street Fleet Street is a street in Central London, England. It runs west to east from Temple Bar, London, Temple Bar at the boundary of the City of London, Cities of London and City of Westminster, Westminster to Ludgate Circus at the site of the Lo ...

journalist running a

Darlington Darlington is a market town in the Borough of Darlington, County Durham, England. It lies on the River Skerne, west of Middlesbrough and south of Durham. Darlington had a population of 107,800 at the 2021 Census, making it a "large town" ...

news agency in ''

Harry Harry may refer to: Television * ''Harry'' (American TV series), 1987 comedy series starring Alan Arkin * ''Harry'' (British TV series), 1993 BBC drama that ran for two seasons * ''Harry'' (New Zealand TV series), 2013 crime drama starring Oscar K ...

'' (1993, 1995). He played the alcoholic and ruthless Harry Salter, who frequently used exploitation and underhand tactics to get a story. This series however was less successful and it was soon cancelled. Elphick went on to play

Billy Bones Billy Bones is a fictional character appearing in the first section of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel ''Treasure Island''.''Treasure Island.'' In The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English (2000).Stevenson, Robert Louis. 1883 994The Old S ...

Ken Russell Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell (3 July 1927 – 27 November 2011) was a British film director, known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his flamboyant and controversial style. His films were mainly liberal adaptations of ...

's televised version of ''

Treasure Island ''Treasure Island'' (originally titled ''The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys''Hammond, J. R. 1984. "Treasure Island." In ''A Robert Louis Stevenson Companion'', Palgrave Macmillan Literary Companions. London: Palgrave Macmillan. .) is an adventure a ...

'' (1995) and Barkis in ''

David Copperfield ''David Copperfield''Dickens invented over 14 variations of the title for this work; see is a novel by English author Charles Dickens, narrated by the eponymous David Copperfield, detailing his adventures in his journey from infancy to matur ...

'' (1999). In 2001 he joined the cast of ''

'', where he played Harry Slater, a romantic interest for

Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...

(

Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.

). The plotline indicated that Slater had sexually abused his niece,

Kat Slater Kat Slater (also Moon and Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jessie Wallace. She was also played by Kate Peck in a flashback in 2001 and Sumar-Elise Sandford in a flashback in 2018. Kat is the ...

(

Jessie Wallace Karen Jane Wallace (born 25 September 1971), known professionally as Jessie Wallace, is an English actress. She made her acting debut in the television police series ''The Bill'' and rose to prominence for her role as Kat Slater on the BBC so ...

), at the age of 13 and her "sister" Zoe (

Michelle Ryan Michelle Claire Ryan (born 22 April 1984) is an English actress, best known for portraying the role of Zoe Slater in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2000–2005, 2025–present). In 2007, she starred in the short-lived American television s ...

) was the daughter born to her when she became pregnant by him. Elphick's heavy drinking began to affect his performances, so the character promptly left the series and was killed off off-screen.

Personal life

Elphick met his long-term partner, schoolteacher Julia Alexander, in 1963 and remained with her until her death from

cancer Cancer is a group of diseases involving Cell growth#Disorders, abnormal cell growth with the potential to Invasion (cancer), invade or Metastasis, spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Po ...

in 1996. The couple had a daughter. For many years Elphick struggled with alcoholism. He made the first of many attempts to stop drinking in 1988. He sought help from

Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led Mutual aid, mutual-aid fellowship focused on an abstinence-based recovery model from alcoholism through its spiritually inclined twelve-step program. AA's Twelve Traditions, besides emphasizing anon ...

in the early 1990s, although he admitted he was still drinking in 1993. In 1996, he admitted that he had begun drinking heavily again and also contemplated suicide after the death of his partner of 33 years. However, he rallied and returned to the stage in ''Loot''. The actor also confessed to having taken cocaine and once, while high on drugs, grabbing a shotgun and chasing a gang of thugs after he had been

carjacked Carjacking is a robbery in which a motor vehicle is taken over.Michael Cherbonneau, "Carjacking," in ''Encyclopedia of Social Problems'', Vol. 1 (SAGE, 2008: ed. Vincent N. Parrillo), pp. 110-11. In contrast to car theft, carjacking is usually i ...

near his villa in Portugal. Elphick was admitted to the

Priory Hospital The Priory Hospital, Roehampton, often referred to as The Priory, is a private mental health hospital in South West London. It was founded in 1872 and is part of the Priory Group. The Priory has an international reputation and, because of the ...

Roehampton Roehampton is an area in southwest London, sharing its SW15 postcode with neighbouring Putney and Kingston Vale, and takes up a far western strip, running north to south, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It contains a number of large counc ...

, in an attempt to beat his addictions. Reports of his alcohol abuse persisted, however, and during his brief spell on ''EastEnders'' in 2001, it was reported that the

was considering dropping his character if his drinking was not curtailed.

Death

On 7 September 2002, Elphick died of a heart attack complicated by his drinking problem. He had collapsed at his home in Willesden Green, London, after complaining of pains. He was rushed to hospital where he died shortly before his 56th birthday. His funeral was held at Chichester Crematorium.

Filmography

*'' Fraulein Doktor'' (1968) as Tom *''

Where's Jack? ''Where's Jack?'' (also known as ''Run, Rebel, Run'') is a 1969 British adventure film directed by James Clavell and starring Stanley Baker and Tommy Steele. It was written by Rafe Newhouse and David Newhouse and produced by Baker for his com ...

'' (1969) as Hogarth *''

'' (1969) as Captain *''

Parkin's Patch ''Parkin's Patch'' is a Yorkshire Television production that aired on ITV from 1969 to 1970. John Flanagan played PC Moss Parkin, a police constable in the North York Moors. The series was filmed in the North York Moors as well as certain sce ...

'' (1970) as Thomas *''The Best Things in Life'' (1970) as Jed Lucas *'' Cry of the Banshee'' (1970) as Burke *''

The Buttercup Chain ''The Buttercup Chain'' is a 1970 British drama film directed by Robert Ellis Miller and starring Hywel Bennett, Jane Asher, and Leigh Taylor-Young. The screenplay was by Peter Draper, adapted from the 1967 novel of the same title by Janice El ...

'' (1970) as The Driver *''

Armchair Theatre ''Armchair Theatre'' is a British television drama anthology series of single plays that ran on the ITV network from 1956 to 1974. It was originally produced by ABC Weekend TV. Its successor Thames Television took over from mid-1968. The Ca ...

'' (1971) as Robert Delmonds *'' The Misfit'' (1971, TV Series) as Mike Halloran *'' See No Evil'' (1971) as Gypsy Tom *''

Albert and Victoria ''Albert and Victoria'' is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 13 June 1970 to 17 September 1971. Starring Alfred Marks, it was written by Reuben Ship. It was made for the ITV network by Yorkshire Television. In ''Albert and Victoria'', ...

'' (1971) as Nigel Godfrey *''Adult Fun'' (1972) as Garage Manager *''Country Matters'' (1973) as Jack *''

Adam Smith Adam Smith (baptised 1723 – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish economist and philosopher who was a pioneer in the field of political economy and key figure during the Scottish Enlightenment. Seen by some as the "father of economics"——— or ...

'' (1973) as Ben Davies *''

'' (1973) as Bill *''

And Now the Screaming Starts! ''And Now the Screaming Starts!'' (also known as ''Fengriffen'' and ''Bride of Fengriffen'' ) is a 1973 British gothic horror film directed by Roy Ward Baker. It stars Peter Cushing, Herbert Lom, Patrick Magee, Stephanie Beacham and Ian Ogilvy. ...

'' (1973) as Drunk (uncredited) *''

Justice In its broadest sense, justice is the idea that individuals should be treated fairly. According to the ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', the most plausible candidate for a core definition comes from the ''Institutes (Justinian), Inst ...

'' (1973, TV Series) as Peter Rodwell *''

Orson Welles Great Mysteries ''Orson Welles Great Mysteries'' is a British television series originally transmitted between 1973 and 1974, produced by Anglia Television for the ITV network. The series is an anthology of mystery stories. Each episode is introduced by Orso ...

'' (1973) as Gorenflot *''Amchair Theatre'' (1973) as Chopper / Best Man *''

New Scotland Yard Scotland Yard (officially New Scotland Yard) is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, the territorial police force responsible for policing Greater London's London boroughs, 32 boroughs. Its name derives from the location of the original ...

'' (1973) as Al Farmer *''

'' (1973, TV Series) as Simon Chase in the 3 episodes titled "The Landing at Blackbeard's Bay (aka Treason)" *''

'' (1974) as Joss Adrian *''

ITV Playhouse ''Playhouse'', also known as ''ITV Playhouse'', is a British television anthology series that ran from 1967 to 1983, which featured contributions from playwrights such as Dennis Potter, Rhys Adrian and Alan Sharp. The series began in black a ...

'' (1974-1979, TV Series) as Norma's Friend / Barrister at Partyzs / Oscar / Jack *''The Nearly Man'' (1974) as Ron Hibbert *'' The Brothers'' (1974, TV Series) as Patrolman *''

'' (1974) as Douglas Wormold *''

'' (1975–1983, TV Series) as Neville Griffiths QC / Frank Hollins *'' The Nearly Man'' (1975) as Ron Hibbert *''

Three Men in a Boat ''Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)'',The Penguin edition punctuates the title differently: ''Three Men in a Boat: To Say Nothing of the Dog!'' published in 1889, is a humorous novel by English writer Jerome K. Jerome describing ...

'' (1975) as 2nd Porter *'' Hadleigh'' (1976, TV Series) as Brian Ainsworth *''BBC2 Playhouse'' (1976) as Frank / Charlie / Eddie *''Holding On'' (1977) as Charlie Wheelright *''This Year Next Year'' (1977) as Jack Shaw *''Last Summer'' (1977) as Oscar *''ITV Sunday Night Drama'' (1977) as Himself *''Saturday, Sunday, Monday'' (1978) as Michel *'' Hazell'' (1978, TV Series) as Griffiths *''Send in the Girls'' (1978) as Jimmy *''

Play for Today ''Play for Today'' is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stage ...

'' (1978-1979, TV Series) as Thomas Venables/Peter *''

The Ghosts of Motley Hall ''The Ghosts of Motley Hall'' is a British children's television series written by Richard Carpenter.Lewis, Jon. E., and Stempel, Penny. ''The Ultimate TV Guide'' (p. 141). London : Orion. 1999 It was produced and directed by Quentin Lawren ...

'' (1978) as Captain Narcissus Bullock *''

The Odd Job ''The Odd Job'' is a 1978 British comedy film starring Monty Python member Graham Chapman. It tells the story of a man named Arthur Harris who is recently abandoned by his wife. He becomes so depressed that he hires an "odd job man" to kill him ...

'' (1978) as Raymonde *''

The One and Only Phyllis Dixey ''The One and Only Phyllis Dixey'' is a 1978 British television film directed by Michael Tuchner and starring Lesley-Anne Down, Michael Elphick and Patricia Hodge. Based on the career of the burlesque artist Phyllis Dixey, it was produced by Tham ...

'' (1978) as Wallace Parnell *''

'' (1978) as Jimmy Fleet *''

The Knowledge Taxis are regulated throughout the United Kingdom, but the regulation of taxicabs in London is especially rigorous with regard to mechanical integrity and driver knowledge. An official report observed that: "Little however is known about the regula ...

'' (1979) as Gordon Weller *''

'' (1979) as Burgess *''

'' (1979) as Jimmy's Father *'' The Professionals'' (1979, TV Series) as Sergeant Garbett *''The Quiz Kid'' (1979) as Jack *''Black Island'' (1979) as Jack Daker *''

Cribb ''Cribb'' (''Sergeant Cribb'' in North America) is a television police drama, which debuted in 1979 as a 90-minute TV film from Granada Television in the United Kingdom. Later, thirteen 50-minute episodes were produced, which ran from 1980 to ...

'' (1980) as Sol Herriott *''

'' (1980) as Night Porter *'' Shoestring'' (1980, TV Series) as Pete Johnson *''

Masada Masada ( ', 'fortress'; ) is a mountain-top fortress complex in the Judaean Desert, overlooking the western shore of the Dead Sea in southeastern Israel. The fort, built in the first century BCE, was constructed atop a natural plateau rising ov ...

'' (1981, TV Mini-series) as Vettius *''

'' (1981) as Gerhard Schulz *''Roger Doesn't Live Here Anymore'' (1981) as Stanley *''Tony'' (1981–1988, TV Series) as Johnny Magowan *'' Andy Robson'' (1982) as Jake Carnaby *''

Smiley's People ''Smiley's People'' is a 1979 spy novel by John le Carré. The novel features a British master-spy George Smiley. It is the third and final novel of the " Karla Trilogy", following '' Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'' and '' The Honourable Schoolbo ...

'' (1982, TV Mini-series) as Detective Chief Superintendent *''Bird Fancier'' (1983) as Darville *''Bloomfield'' (1983) as Billy Gibbs *''

Privates on Parade ''Privates on Parade: A Play with Songs in Two Acts'' is a 1977 farce by English playwright Peter Nichols (book and lyrics), with music by Denis King. The drama draws upon Nichols' own experiences in the real-life Combined Services Entertai ...

'' (1983) as Sergeant Major Reg Drummond *'' Krull'' (1983) as Rhun (voice, uncredited) *''

Curse of the Pink Panther ''Curse of the Pink Panther'' is a 1983 comedy film and a continuation of ''The Pink Panther'' series of films created by Blake Edwards in the early 1960s. The film was one of two produced concurrently following the death of the series' star Pe ...

'' (1983) as Valencia Police Chief *'' Gorky Park'' (1983) as Pasha *''

'' (1983–84) as Magowan *'' Memed My Hawk'' (1984) as Jabbar *''

'' (1984) as Fisher *''

Ordeal by Innocence ''Ordeal by Innocence'' is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the UK by the Collins Crime Club on 3 November 1958 and in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company the following year. The UK edition retai ...

'' (1984) as Inspector Huish *''Pull the Other One'' (1984) as Sidney Mundy *''Arthur's Hallowed Ground'' (1984) as Len *''

Oxbridge Blues ''Oxbridge Blues'' is a 1984 British television series, produced and broadcast in the UK by the BBC. It is an anthology of seven approximately 75-minute television plays by Frederic Raphael, most of which focus on relationships of one kind or ano ...

'' (1984) as Curly Bonaventura *''

Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a Shakespearean comedy, comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' (W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. ...

'' (1984) as Dogberry *''

'' (1985–89) as

Sam Tyler DCI/DI Sam Tyler is a fictional character in BBC One's science fiction/police procedural drama, ''Life on Mars''. In the original British version of ''Life on Mars'', Tyler is played by John Simm and in the American version he is played by Ja ...

*''

Super Gran ''Super Gran'' is a Scottish fictional series about a grandmother with superpowers. Initially a series of books written by Forrest Wilson, a children's television show was adapted by Jenny McDade and produced by Tyne Tees Television for Ch ...

'' (1985) as Roly Roofless *'' Hitler's SS: Portrait in Evil'' (1985) as

Ernst Röhm Ernst Julius Günther Röhm (; 28 November 1887 – 1 July 1934) was a German military officer, politician and a leading member of the Nazi Party. A close friend and early ally of Adolf Hitler, Röhm was the co-founder and leader of the (SA), t ...

*''Lake Starter'' (1985) as Jack Owen *''

Jenny's War ''Jenny's War'' is a 1985 war television serial set during World War II, made by HTV in association with Columbia Pictures Television. It is directed by and written by Steve Gethers. The screenplay is based on the novel with the same name by Ja ...

'' (1985) as Schumann *''Tony'' (1985) as Johnny Magowan *''

The Supergrass ''The Supergrass'' is a 1985 British comedy film directed by Peter Richardson (who also plays a major role) who also wrote the screenplay with Pete Richens. The film stars Adrian Edmondson, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith Allen, Nigel P ...

'' (1985) as Constable Collins *'' Boon'' (1986–1995, TV Series) as Ken Boon *''

Pirates Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and valuable goods, or taking hostages. Those who conduct acts of piracy are call ...

'' (1986) as Sentry *''

Valhalla In Norse mythology, Valhalla ( , ; , )Orchard (1997:171–172) is described as a majestic hall located in Asgard and presided over by the god Odin. There were five possible realms the soul could travel to after death. The first was Fólkvang ...

'' (1986) as Udgaardsloki (English version, voice) *''Fellows and Magowan'' (1987–91) as Johnny Magowan *''

'' (1987) as Jake *''

Little Dorrit ''Little Dorrit'' is a novel by English author Charles Dickens, originally published in Serial (literature), serial form between 1855 and 1857. The story features Amy Dorrit, youngest child of her family, born and raised in the Marshalsea pris ...

'' (1987) as Mr Merdle *''

Asterix and the Big Fight ''Asterix and the Big Fight'' (also known as ''"The Battle of the Chieftains"'' - translated from ') is a French comic book story, written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It is the seventh story in the ''Asterix'' comic boo ...

'' (1989) as Crysus (English version, voice) *'' The Krays'' (1990) as George in Prison (uncredited) *''

I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle ''I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle'' is a 1990 British Horror comedy (genre), comedy horror film about a Norton Commando, motorcycle possessed by an evil spirit, which rides by itself and kills people, particularly members of a particular motorcyc ...

'' (1990) as Inspector Cleaver *'' Buddy's Song'' (1991) as Des King *''

'' (1991) as Prison Officer Jack *''

Stanley and the Women ''Stanley and the Women'' is a British television drama miniseries starring John Thaw, Samuel West, Geraldine James, Sheila Gish, Penny Downie and Sian Thomas. This series based on the 1984 novel of the same name by Kingsley Amis and adapte ...

'' (1991) as Bert Hutchinson *''The Ballad of Kid Divine: The Cockney Cowboy'' (1992) as Dr. Nathaniel Bonner *''

'' (1993–1995, TV Series) as Harry Salter *''

Murder Most Horrid ''Murder Most Horrid'' is a British black comedy anthology series starring Dawn French. It was broadcast on BBC Two for four series runs, in 1991, 1994, 1996 and 1999. Created by Paul Smith, who also co-created ''Colin's Sandwich'' (with Terry ...

'' (1994) as Bill Todd *''

Richard III Richard III (2 October 1452 – 22 August 1485) was King of England from 26 June 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty and its cadet branch the House of York. His defeat and death at the Battle of Boswor ...

'' (1995) as 2nd Murderer (uncredited) *''Treasure Island'' (1995) as

*'' Dangerfield'' (1997, TV Series) as Brian Taylor *'' The Fix'' (1997) as Peter Campling *''

'' (1999) as Barkis *''

Metropolis A metropolis () is a large city or conurbation which is a significant economic, political, and cultural area for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections, commerce, and communications. A big city b ...

'' (2000, TV Mini-series) as Brickhill *''

The Bill ''The Bill'' is a British police procedural television series, broadcast on ITV (TV network), ITV from 16 October 1984 until 31 August 2010. The programme originated from a one-off drama, "Woodentop (The Bill), Woodentop" (part of the ''Storyb ...

'' (2001) as George Stubbs *''

Baddiel's Syndrome ''Baddiel's Syndrome'' is a British television sitcom that originally aired on Sky One in 2001. It centred on a therapy-attending architect played by David Baddiel. Cast *David Baddiel as David *Morwenna Banks as Eva Starzia Schnorbitz Melitzsko ...

'' (2001) as Drugs tsar *''

'' (2001) as Harry Slater *''

Out of Bounds In sports, out of bounds (or out-of-bounds) refers to being outside the playing boundaries of the field. The legality of going out of bounds (intentionally or not), and the ease of prevention, vary by sport. Sports that use this term include Am ...

'' (2003) as Lionel Stubbs (final film role)

References

External links

*
BBC tribute page
{{DEFAULTSORT:Elphick, Michael 1946 births 2002 deaths Alcohol-related deaths in England Alumni of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama English male soap opera actors English male film actors English male stage actors Male actors from Chichester