Actor with poise and presence, best known as Alfred the butler in Tim Burton's Batman
The actor Michael Gough, who has died aged 94, was an arresting presence on stage, television and film for the entire postwar period, notably as the butler Alfred Pennyworth in Tim Burton's Batman movies. Eventually he just voiced roles, as with the Dodo Bird in the same director's Alice in Wonderland film last year, but always to striking effect.
Gough started in the Old Vic company in London before the second world war, but it took till 1946 for his career proper to get off to a flying start in the West End, in Frederick Lonsdale's But for the Grace of God. The fistfight-to-the-death scene was done with such startling verisimilitude that nearly all the stage furniture was demolished nightly, and Gough broke three ribs and injured the base of his spine. So copiously...
The actor Michael Gough, who has died aged 94, was an arresting presence on stage, television and film for the entire postwar period, notably as the butler Alfred Pennyworth in Tim Burton's Batman movies. Eventually he just voiced roles, as with the Dodo Bird in the same director's Alice in Wonderland film last year, but always to striking effect.
Gough started in the Old Vic company in London before the second world war, but it took till 1946 for his career proper to get off to a flying start in the West End, in Frederick Lonsdale's But for the Grace of God. The fistfight-to-the-death scene was done with such startling verisimilitude that nearly all the stage furniture was demolished nightly, and Gough broke three ribs and injured the base of his spine. So copiously...
- 3/18/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Celebrity Death Who is Michael Gough, Batman actor? [Mar. 18.] Actor Michael Gough of the Batman movies has passed away at age 94 in his England home on March 17th, 2011. In the Hollywood Batman movies, based on comic books, Gough played Batman’s loyal butler and right-hand man, Alfred, in the first four “Batman” movies – the only star, other than actor Pat Hingle, to make repeat appearances in “Batman” movies. After having gone into retirement a few years ago, Gough had gone back to the big screen for Hollywood movies such as “Sleepy Hollow” to play Notary Hardenbrook alongside actress Christina Ricci and “Alice in Wonderland” for the voice of the dodo bird with actor Johnny Depp. Hollywood veteran, actor Michael Gough was born on November 23rd, 1917 in Malaysia. A talented actor, Gough won the Tony Award in 1979 for his role in the movie “Bedroom Farce” and was nominated again in 1988 for his...
- 3/18/2011
- by Belky Says
- Green Celebrity
British actor Michael Gough, best known for his portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth in the first four "Batman" movies, has passed away at the age of 94. His agent says he died at his home surrounded by family.
"We've lost a very treasured and beloved friend and somebody who made a magnificent contribution to the world of theater and films," Gough's agent says.
The actor appeared in more than 150 films and TV shows during his 65-year career. He played The Celestial Toymaker in "Doctor Who" in 1966 after gaining a cult following for his parts in Hammer Films productions such as "Dracula" and "Phantom Of The Opera."
Tim Burton cast Gough as Bruce Wayne's trusted butler Alfred in 1989's big screen relaunch of "Batman" and he worked with Burton on several other films including "Sleepy Hollow," "Corpse Bride" and "Alice In Wonderland."
Gough is survived by his fourth wife Henrietta Gough, daughter Emma and sons Simon and Jasper.
"We've lost a very treasured and beloved friend and somebody who made a magnificent contribution to the world of theater and films," Gough's agent says.
The actor appeared in more than 150 films and TV shows during his 65-year career. He played The Celestial Toymaker in "Doctor Who" in 1966 after gaining a cult following for his parts in Hammer Films productions such as "Dracula" and "Phantom Of The Opera."
Tim Burton cast Gough as Bruce Wayne's trusted butler Alfred in 1989's big screen relaunch of "Batman" and he worked with Burton on several other films including "Sleepy Hollow," "Corpse Bride" and "Alice In Wonderland."
Gough is survived by his fourth wife Henrietta Gough, daughter Emma and sons Simon and Jasper.
- 3/17/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
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