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

TitleRelease DateCharacter
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll1960-10-24Dr. Littauer
Indiscreet1958-07-16Carl Banks
The Mouse That Roared1959-07-17Professor Alfred Kokintz
Freud: The Secret Passion1962-12-12Jacob Freud
Wicked as They Come1956-05-22Sam Lewis
The Mouse on the Moon1963-05-07Professor Kokintz
The House of the Seven Hawks1959-10-29Wilhelm Dekker
The Journey1959-02-11Simon Avron
The Larkins1958-09-19Alf Larkins
Jet Storm1959-09-16Dr. Bergstein