John Arnatt

John Edwin Arnatt was an American actor known for his roles in “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” “Doctor Who,” and many others. Born in Petrograd, Russia, in 1917, he became a prominent figure in theater and television, particularly in the UK.

Personal and Family Life

John Arnatt was born to a Vauxhall Motors manager and moved to England during the Russian Revolution. He was educated at Epworth College and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Arnatt was married twice; first to Betty Huntley-Wright and later to Sheila Tracy, with whom he had one child.

Career Highlights

Arnatt’s career began on stage in 1936, and he made his West End debut in 1938. He performed in classic plays and even took on roles as a stand-up comic. His versatility allowed him to portray a range of authority figures on screen, becoming well-known for his roles in “Doctor Who” and “The Adventures of Robin Hood.”

Death and Legacy

John Arnatt passed away on December 21, 1999, in Surrey, England, due to prostate cancer. His contributions to theater and television have left a lasting impression, and he is remembered for his distinguished on-screen characters and stage performances.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Hysteria 1965-04-01 Mr. James
Dick Barton at Bay 1950-10-02 Jackson
The Third Alibi 1961-03-15 Supt. Ross
Crucible of Terror 1972-04-13 Bill
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time 1978-03-11 Chancellor Borusa
House of Blackmail 1953-07-13 Pete Carter
Out of the Fog 1962-09-01 Supt. Chadwick
Birds of Prey 1998-03-27 Gentleman
The Passionate Stranger 1957-03-04 Maurice Lamport / Martin
Licensed to Kill 1965-07-05 Rockwell
A Challenge for Robin Hood 1967-07-01 Sheriff of Nottingham
Dr. Crippen 1963-08-07 Chief Inspector Dew
Shadow of Fear 1963-07-01 Sharp
Only Two Can Play 1962-01-19 Bill
Whistle Down the Wind 1961-07-25 Supt. Teesdale
Forbidden Cargo 1954-05-04 Customs Officer (uncredited)
Cry, the Beloved Country 1951-11-16 Prison Warden (uncredited)
Circumstantial Evidence 1952-10-16 Steve Harrison
Sign it Death 1974-04-09 Mr. Robinson
Meet Simon Cherry 1949-11-01 Tommy
The Impersonator 1961-05-01 Det. Supt. Fletcher
Paganini Strikes Again 1973-01-01 Insp. Mainwaring
Our Mother’s House 1967-09-14 Man Client
The Set Up 1963-01-01 Susp. Ross
Pool of London 1951-02-20 Squad Car Officer
No Love for Johnnie 1961-02-14 Gregson, BBC Reporter (uncredited)
Callan 1967-07-08
The Adventures of Robin Hood 1955-09-26 Deputy Sheriff of Nottingham
Emergency – Ward 10 1957-02-19
House of Cards 1990-11-18
The Kenny Everett Television Show 1982-02-25 Self
Keeping Up Appearances 1990-10-29 Sir Edward
Crown Court 1972-10-11
The Saint 1962-10-04 Major Fanshire
Barlow 1971-09-15
The Cleopatras 1983-01-19 Sophron
Sir Francis Drake 1961-11-12 Spanish Ambassador
Dangerfield 1995-01-27
Colonel March of Scotland Yard 1956-02-22 Wesley
Thirty-Minute Theatre 1965-10-07
Thriller 1973-04-14 Mr. Robinson
Doctor Who 1963-11-23 Borusa