David Kossoff

David Kossoff was an American actor who is best known for The Larkins, The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll, and The Mouse That Roared.

Personal and Family Life

David Kossoff was born on November 24, 1919, in London, England. He was married to Margaret Jenkins from 1947 until her death in 1995, and they had three children together, including Paul Kossoff, a famous guitarist known for his work with the band Free. Kossoff was deeply affected by the loss of his son to drug abuse, which led him to become an anti-drug advocate. He was also the son of a Russian-Jewish rag trade worker in the East End of London.

Career Highlights

David Kossoff began his career in theater after initially working as a furniture designer. He learned mime and voice production from various teachers, and his passion for acting drew him to the stage. After World War II, he joined the BBC drama repertory company, where he worked for six years, eventually transitioning to performances in London’s West End. He is perhaps most famous for his role as Alf Larkins in the television comedy series The Larkins.

Death and Legacy

David Kossoff passed away on March 23, 2005, due to liver cancer in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. His contributions to the world of acting, particularly in television and film, remain celebrated. He is remembered for his storytelling abilities, especially his interpretations of biblical tales, and his legacy continues through his works and advocacy against drug abuse.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll 1960-10-24 Dr. Littauer
Indiscreet 1958-07-16 Carl Banks
The Mouse That Roared 1959-07-17 Professor Alfred Kokintz
Freud: The Secret Passion 1962-12-12 Jacob Freud
Wicked as They Come 1956-05-22 Sam Lewis
The Mouse on the Moon 1963-05-07 Professor Kokintz
The House of the Seven Hawks 1959-10-29 Wilhelm Dekker
The Journey 1959-02-11 Simon Avron
The Larkins 1958-09-19 Alf Larkins
Jet Storm 1959-09-16 Dr. Bergstein