Jonathan Cecil was an American actor known for his roles in “Poirot,” “Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj,” and “Murder in Three Acts.” He was an Eton-educated character actor, particularly noted for his comic portrayals of upper-class eccentrics.
Personal and Family Life
Born on February 22, 1939, in Westminster, London, Jonathan Cecil was the son of Lord David Cecil. He had a rich family background, being the great-grandson of Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil and having multiple relatives in prominent positions. He was married to Anna Sharkey until his death and had previously been married to Vivien Heilbron.
Career
Cecil was well-known for his role as Captain Arthur Hastings alongside Peter Ustinov’s Hercule Poirot in the 1980s. He also had a successful career as a narrator, especially for P.G. Wodehouse’s audiobooks, and was greatly loved for his warm and engaging voice. His extensive education included studies at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in London.
Death and Legacy
Jonathan Cecil passed away on September 22, 2011, in Charing Cross, London, due to pneumonia. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances, especially his narration of Wodehouse’s works, for which he is often referred to as “The Voice of P.G. Wodehouse.”
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj | 2006-12-01 | Provost Cunningham |
| Murder in Three Acts | 1986-10-01 | Capt. Arthur Hastings |
| Thirteen at Dinner | 1985-09-19 | Capt. Arthur Hastings |
| Dead Man’s Folly | 1986-01-08 | Hastings |
| Up the Front | 1972-01-01 | Nigel Phipps-Fortescue |
| The Taming of the Shrew | 1980-10-23 | Hortensio |
| Hot Paint | 1988-03-20 | Earl of Lanscombe |
| Alice in Wonderland | 1986-01-05 | White Rabbit |
| Barry Lyndon | 1975-12-18 | Lt. Jonathan Fakenham |
| Midsomer Murders | 1997-03-23 | Melville Dodgson |