Donald Pleasence was an English actor who is best known for his roles in “Halloween,” “The Great Escape,” and “You Only Live Twice.” He had a long career in film and television, recognized for his intense performances and distinctive bald head and blue eyes.
Personal and Family Life
Donald Henry Pleasence was born on October 5, 1919, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England, to Thomas Stanley Pleasence and Alice Armitage. He came from a railway family, but his passion for acting led him to the stage and screen. Throughout his life, he was married four times and had six children, including Angela and Lucy Pleasence.
Career Background
Pleasence initially worked as a clerk at his father’s railway station before pursuing acting. He made his stage debut shortly before World War II and served in the RAF, where he was shot down and captured. After the war, he returned to acting and gained fame for his theater and film roles, notably as the villainous Prince John in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” and later in “The Great Escape.”
Death and Legacy
Donald Pleasence passed away on February 2, 1995, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, due to complications from heart surgery. He left behind a significant legacy in film and television, remembered as a talented actor who excelled in portraying complex characters, particularly villains.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| THX 1138 | 1971-03-11 | SEN |
| You Only Live Twice | 1967-06-13 | Ernst Stavro Blofeld |
| Halloween | 1978-10-24 | Dr. Sam Loomis |
| Escape from New York | 1981-05-23 | President of the United States |
| Will Penny | 1967-12-19 | Preacher Quint |
| The Great Escape | 1963-07-03 | Blythe ‘The Forger’ |
| Halloween II | 1981-10-30 | Dr. Sam Loomis |
| Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers | 1988-10-21 | Dr. Sam Loomis |
| Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers | 1989-10-12 | Dr. Sam Loomis |
| Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | 1973-03-07 | Fred Smudge |