Jeremy Brett was a British actor who is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Granada Television adaptation. He has also starred in various films and stage productions during his illustrious career.
Personal and Family Life
Born Peter Jeremy William Huggins on November 3, 1933, in Warwickshire, England, Brett came from a privileged background. He was educated at Eton College and later trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Brett was married twice: to Anna Massey from 1958 to 1962, with whom he had one child, and to Joan Wilson from 1976 until her death in 1985.
Career Highlights
Jeremy Brett made his professional stage debut in 1954 and quickly became known for his work in classical theatre. His most famous role was that of Sherlock Holmes, which he played on television from the 1980s until the 1990s. Many consider his interpretation of Holmes to be one of the best in the character’s history, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition.
Death and Legacy
Brett’s health declined in the years leading up to his death, which occurred on September 12, 1995, due to heart failure. He was 61 years old at the time of his passing. Brett’s legacy lives on through his extraordinary performances, especially as Sherlock Holmes, which continue to influence and inspire actors and fans alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Medusa Touch | 1978-04-13 | Edward Parrish |
| War and Peace | 1956-08-21 | Nikolai Rostov |
| The Picture of Dorian Gray | 1976-09-19 | Basil Hallward |
| The Good Soldier | 1981-04-15 | Edward Ashburnham |
| The Hound of the Baskervilles | 1988-08-31 | Sherlock Holmes |
| Girl in the Headlines | 1963-11-15 | Jordan Barker |
| Macbeth | 1981-01-01 | Macbeth |
| My Fair Lady | 1964-10-21 | Freddy Eynsford-Hill |
| Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective | 1995-05-22 | Sherlock Holmes (archive footage) |