Brian Blessed began his acting career in the early 1960s, quickly establishing a presence in British television through his portrayal of PC Fancy Smith in the long-running series Z-Cars. Known for a booming voice and a distinctive, full beard, he built a career spanning stage, film, television, and vocal performance, earning appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Early life and vocational foundation
Born in 1936 at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough, Blessed grew up the son of a coal miner. His formal schooling at Bolton on Dearne Secondary Modern School ended at age fourteen following family health crises, leading him to work as an undertaker's assistant and a plasterer. After completing national service in the RAF Regiment, he attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on a scholarship starting in 1956.
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Blessed gained recognition for diverse television roles, including Caesar Augustus in the 1976 BBC drama I, Claudius and King Mark of Cornwall in Arthur of the Britons. His film work includes the role of Prince Vultan in the 1980 production of Flash Gordon and appearances in four Shakespearean adaptations directed by Kenneth Branagh, such as Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing. He also participated in the original 1981 London stage production of Cats, playing both Old Deuteronomy and Bustopher Jones.
Voice acting and later work
His vocal range led to extensive work in animation and interactive media. He provided the voice of the hunter Clayton and the titular character’s iconic yell in Disney's 1999 film Tarzan, later reprising this role for video games including Kingdom Hearts. In the same year, he portrayed Boss Nass in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Additionally, he has narrated audio projects and presented television programs such as the English-language version of the game show Unbeatable Banzuke.
Fast facts
- Born: 1936, Mexborough
- Education: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- Notable role: Prince Vultan, Flash Gordon
- Notable role: Boss Nass, Star Wars: Episode I
- Notable role: Clayton, Tarzan
- Award: Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
Questions readers ask
Did Brian Blessed provide the famous Tarzan yell?
Yes, he provided the voice for the character Clayton and the Tarzan yell in the 1999 Disney film.
Which Shakespearean roles has he performed?
His credits include the Duke of Exeter in Henry V, Antonio in Much Ado About Nothing, the Ghost of Hamlet's Father in Hamlet, and both Duke Frederick and Duke Senior in As You Like It.
Achievements
- Notable work: Tarzan
- Educated at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Yardley Court
- Worked as actor, television presenter and mountaineer
