# Nigel Hawthorne

> British actor (1929–2001)

**Wikidata**: [Q269589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q269589)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Hawthorne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nigel-hawthorne

## Summary
Nigel Hawthorne was a British actor (1929–2001) renowned for his work in stage, film, and television. He achieved international acclaim for his role as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the BBC series *Yes Minister* and *Yes, Prime Minister*, and won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Hawthorne was also celebrated for his performances in Shakespearean comedies and as a voice actor in films like *Tarzan* (1999).

## Biography
- **Born**: April 5, 1929
- **Died**: December 26, 2001
- **Nationality**: British
- **Education**: University of Cape Town
- **Known for**: Stage, film, and television acting; voice acting
- **Employer(s)**: BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company
- **Field(s)**: Acting, voice acting, film production

## Contributions
Nigel Hawthorne made significant contributions to British theatre, film, and television. His portrayal of Sir Humphrey Appleby in *Yes Minister* and *Yes, Prime Minister* became iconic, earning him a BAFTA Award. He also starred in Shakespearean comedies and provided voice work for Disney’s *Tarzan* (1999). Hawthorne was recognized with a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and a Laurence Olivier Award for his stage performances.

## FAQs
**What awards did Nigel Hawthorne win?**
Nigel Hawthorne won several prestigious awards, including a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

**Where was Nigel Hawthorne educated?**
He attended the University of Cape Town, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

**What was Nigel Hawthorne’s most famous role?**
His most famous role was Sir Humphrey Appleby in the BBC series *Yes Minister* and *Yes, Prime Minister*, which earned him widespread acclaim.

**Did Nigel Hawthorne work in voice acting?**
Yes, he provided voice work for Disney’s *Tarzan* (1999) and other media.

## Why They Matter
Nigel Hawthorne’s work in British theatre and television left a lasting impact on the performing arts. His portrayal of Sir Humphrey Appleby set a benchmark for political satire in television, influencing subsequent generations of actors and writers. His contributions to Shakespearean theatre and voice acting further cemented his legacy as a versatile and accomplished performer.

## Notable For
- Winning a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Receiving a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play
- Being honored with a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Iconic role as Sir Humphrey Appleby in *Yes Minister* and *Yes, Prime Minister*
- Voice acting in Disney’s *Tarzan* (1999)
- Performances in Shakespearean comedies

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Nigel Hawthorne was born on April 5, 1929. He attended the University of Cape Town, where he developed his acting skills before pursuing a career in theatre and film.

### Career in Acting
Hawthorne’s career spanned stage, film, and television. He gained international recognition for his role as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the BBC series *Yes Minister* and *Yes, Prime Minister*, which earned him a BAFTA Award. His stage performances, particularly in Shakespearean comedies, were critically acclaimed, and he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

### Voice Acting and Film Work
In addition to his live-action roles, Hawthorne worked as a voice actor, notably in Disney’s *Tarzan* (1999). His versatility in voice acting and film production showcased his range as a performer.

### Awards and Recognition
Hawthorne received numerous awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA Award, a Tony Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. He was also recognized as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and later knighted as a Knight Bachelor.

### Legacy
Nigel Hawthorne’s contributions to British theatre, film, and television have left a lasting legacy. His performances continue to influence actors and audiences alike, and his work remains a benchmark for excellence in the performing arts.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. SNAC
6. Internet Broadway Database
7. Find a Grave
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. IdRef
11. CONOR.SI
12. BBC Things
13. [Nigel Hawthorne (visual voices guide) - BTVA](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Nigel-Hawthorne/)
14. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
15. performing-arts.ch
16. The Movie Database