Simon MacCorkindale
Simon MacCorkindale | |
---|---|
Born | Simon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale 12 February 1952 Ely, Cambridgeshire, England |
Died | 14 October 2010 London, England | (aged 58)
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1973–2010 |
Spouses |
Simon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale
In 1983, MacCorkindale starred in the short-lived series
Early life
MacCorkindale was born on 12 February 1952 in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England,[1][2] to Scottish parents Gilliver Mary (née Pendered) and Peter Bernard MacCorkindale OBE,[3][4][5][1] who died in September 2007.[5] Simon had a brother, Duncan.[6]
Their father was an RAF
MacCorkindale had been a fan of theatre since writing a play at the age of eight, joking that it was "unproduceable" because "it required an enormous cast and a considerable amount of rum drinking."[4] Making his acting debut at the same age, he went on to appear on stage and work behind the scenes of numerous school and theatre group productions throughout his childhood.[8]
Persuading his parents that he would find a "sensible job" if a career as a director was not sustaining him financially by the age of 25, MacCorkindale decided not to study at university and instead attended the Studio 68 drama school at the Theatre of Arts in London.[1][7] MacCorkindale opted to continue acting after graduating from the Theatre of Arts; he decided to amass more experience in the role to have better confidence as a director.[7]
Acting career
Early work (1973–1979)
MacCorkindale started his acting career in theatre, touring the United Kingdom with a
MacCorkindale's film debut came in 1974 with Juggernaut.[2] He was cast as Simon Doyle in the 1978 film adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile at the age of 25. The role boosted MacCorkindale's public profile and he considered it to be his career break. He won the London Evening Standard Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer for this part.[2] MacCorkindale went on to star as sailor and spy Arthur Davies in The Riddle of the Sands (1979), the film adaptation of the celebrated Erskine Childers' novel.[9][10]
MacCorkindale played astronomer Joe Kapp in
Manimal, Falcon Crest and film roles (1980–1986)
Following the success of Death on the Nile, MacCorkindale moved to the United States in 1980. Although warned that it would limit his chance of finding work, MacCorkindale refused to adopt an American accent when auditioning, believing that his British diction would help fill a "niche".[2] However, for two years he failed at the audition stage for all major parts on account of his nationality. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) told MacCorkindale that he was not an "eight o'clock actor", which he took to mean that "at that time of night they didn't want viewers watching someone who sounded intellectual or who had an accent that was alien to their ears and, therefore, hard work when it came to listening."[7] During this time he appeared in single-episode roles in series such as Dynasty, Fantasy Island, Hart to Hart, Matt Houston and The Dukes of Hazzard,[2][7][9] as well as playing David Clement, an aristocrat, in the mini-series Manions of America.[2][7]
He was eventually cast in the adventure series Manimal for NBC in 1983, in which he played the lead character Professor Jonathan Chase, an Englishman who assists police in the fight against crime with his ability to transform into animals. The role impressed MacCorkindale, who considered Chase to be a "very cerebral individual".[7] He also "found himself in the first wave of British stars to make it big in America," along with Joan Collins in Dynasty, which led to a further influx of British actors finding work in the United States.[2] Filming on Manimal would often run for as long as 14 to 16 hours per day, and MacCorkindale would sometimes be required to work at weekends to be made up with the prosthetics necessary for Manimal's transformation sequences. The low ratings that resulted in the cancellation of Manimal after one season of eight episodes was in part due to NBC broadcasting the series at the same time as Dallas on CBS, Manimal losing out to the more popular "soap". Budget cuts also contributed to the series' cancellation as it was the network's most expensive series. Manimal has since acquired a global cult following.[7][13]
In 1984, he was cast as Angela Channing's (
MacCorkindale appeared in the films Caboblanco (1980) and The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982, as Prince Mikah),[14] and starred as Philip FitzRoyce in the third part of the Jaws film series, Jaws 3-D (1983).[15] In the mid-1980s, MacCorkindale was considered for the role of James Bond as a possible successor to actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore, but was not cast.[1] Jaws 3-D proved to be his last major film role.[9]
Counterstrike and other Canadian projects (1990–2000)
In the 1990s, MacCorkindale returned to acting after a hiatus in which he had focused on production work. He appeared in a number of projects in Canada, which he felt "could be at the crossroads of international production."
Following Counterstrike, MacCorkindale appeared in the final episode of the TV drama E.N.G., whereafter his "media tycoon" character was planned to be the star of a spin-off alongside actress Sara Botsford, but the project was abandoned.[13] He starred in numerous TV films throughout the 1990s, including a part as the villain in The Girl Next Door. MacCorkindale was glad to "gradually [switch] to villains" as "that's more fun than [playing] the straitlaced hero."[13] MacCorkindale also reprised the role of Dr Chase from Manimal in an episode of Night Man in 1998, which incorporated computer-generated imagery for the transformations as opposed to prosthetic makeup, and also directed an episode of the series.[7] Other appearances included the TV series Earth: Final Conflict, La Femme Nikita and the 2000 TV film The Dinosaur Hunter.[13][17]
Casualty and final roles (2002–2010)
Having rejected an offer to play Captain
In January 2007, MacCorkindale was given a five-month sabbatical from Casualty because a plotline required that his character be temporarily removed from the series. He took the opportunity to tour the United Kingdom in a revival of the Agatha Christie murder mystery play The Unexpected Guest. He then returned to Casualty, but having re-discovered his taste for theatre, left the series permanently in 2008 to appear as Andrew Wyke in a UK tour of Anthony Shaffer's Sleuth.[23] By the time that MacCorkindale quit Casualty, he had appeared in 229 episodes of the series.
In August 2008, he replaced
Production work
MacCorkindale produced, directed and wrote a number of film, television and theatre productions throughout his career. In the 1980s, he directed three performances of the play
After his departure from Falcon Crest, MacCorkindale returned to the United Kingdom in 1986 to form a production company. The following year, he established Amy International Artists, based at
Working in partnership with
Personal life
MacCorkindale was married twice. His first wife was actress Fiona Fullerton; the couple married in 1976 and divorced in 1982. Following his divorce from Fullerton, MacCorkindale began a relationship with actress Susan George, whom he had first met in 1977; they married secretly in Fiji on 5 October 1984[34] and later held a second ceremony with family and friends in Berkshire, England.[35] They had no children.[35] With George, MacCorkindale managed an Arabian stud farm based in Exmoor.[1]
Death
Simon MacCorkindale was diagnosed with
Despite his illness, MacCorkindale continued to work, returning to film the final series of Casualty in late 2007. He did not disclose his condition to his colleagues, often finding it surreal when his character had to inform patients about cancer or other incurable diseases.[38] He invested significantly in private cancer treatments in the United States, though these efforts met with limited success.[39]
In November 2009, MacCorkindale publicly announced that his cancer was terminal.[19] He passed away on 14 October 2010 in a London clinic.[30]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1974 | Juggernaut | No. 1 Helmsman | |
1978 | Death on the Nile | Simon Doyle | |
1979 | The Riddle of the Sands | Arthur Davies | |
1980 | Caboblanco | Lewis Clarkson | |
1981 | Macbeth | Macduff | |
1982 | The Sword and the Sorcerer | Prince Mikah | |
1982 | An Outpost of Progress | Kayerts | |
1983 | Jaws 3-D | Philip FitzRoyce | |
1987 | Shades of Love: Sincerely, Violet
|
Mark Jamieson | Direct-to-video release |
1988 | Stealing Heaven | N/A | Producer |
1989 | That Summer of White Roses | N/A | Producer, composer and writer |
1998 | Such A Long Journey
|
N/A | Producer |
1999 | Wing Commander | Flight Boss | |
2010 | A Closed Book | Andrew Boles | |
2010 | 13Hrs | Duncan Moore |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1973 | Hawkeye, the Pathfinder | Lieutenant Carter | Appeared in three episodes |
1974 | Play of the Month | Rolf | Episode 9.8: "The Skin Game" |
1975 | Sutherland's Law | Ian Sutherland | Episode 4.5: "No Second Chance" |
1976 | Romeo and Juliet | Paris | TV film |
1976 | Hunter's Walk | Houseman | Episode 3.1: "Intent" |
1976 | I, Claudius | Lucius | Episode 1.2: "Waiting in the Wings" |
1976 | Beasts | Peter Gilkes | Episode 1.4: "Baby" |
1976–1978 | Within These Walls | Dr Dady | Appeared in three episodes |
1977 | Romance | Paul Verdayne | Episode 1.2: "Three Weeks" |
1977 | Jesus of Nazareth
|
Lucius | TV miniseries |
1977 | Just William
|
Charlie | Episode 1.12: "William and the Sleeping Major" |
1978 | The Doombolt Chase | Lt. Cmdr. Madock | Episode 1.1: "Court of Shame" |
1978 | Will Shakespeare | Sir Thomas Walsingham | Episode 1.1: "Dead Shepherd" |
1979 | Quatermass | Joe Kapp | TV serial; appeared in all four episodes |
1979 | The Dukes of Hazzard | Gaylord Duke (Roger Blevin) | 2.13: "Duke of Duke" |
1980 | Hammer House of Horror | Harry Wells | Episode 1.11: "Visitor from the Grave" |
1981 | Manions of America | David Clement | TV miniseries |
1981 | Fantasy Island | Gaston du Brielle | Episode 5.3: "Cyrano/The Magician" |
1982 | Hart to Hart | Arthur Roman | Episode 4.3: "Million Dollar Harts" |
1982 | Dynasty | Billy Dawson | Episode 3.4: "The Will" |
1982 | Falcon's Gold | Hank Richards | TV film |
1983 | Manimal | Jonathan Chase | Appeared in all eight episodes |
1984 | Obsessive Love | Glenn Stevens | TV film |
1984 | Matt Houston | Robert Tyler | Episode 3.3: "Eyewitness" |
1984–1986 | Falcon Crest | Greg Reardon
|
Appeared in 59 episodes |
1989 | Pursuit | Manley-Jones | TV film |
1990–1993 | Counterstrike | Peter Sinclair | Appeared in 65 episodes |
1994 | E.N.G. | Maxwell Harding | Episode 5.14: "Cutting Edge" |
1995 | The Way to Dusty Death | Johnny Harlow | TV film |
1995 | At the Midnight Hour | Richard Keaton | TV film |
1995 | Family of Cops | Adam Novacek | TV film |
1995 | The House That Mary Bought | N/A | Director and writer |
1996 | No Greater Love | Patrick Kelly | TV film |
1997 | While My Pretty One Sleeps | Jack Campbell | TV film |
1997 | La Femme Nikita | Alec Chandler | Episode 1.4: "Charity" |
1998 | La Guerre de l'eau | Peter Gregory | TV film |
1998 | Running Wild | Walton Baden Smythe | TV film |
1998 | Night Man | Jonathan Chase | Episode 2.6: "Manimal" |
1999 | The Girl Next Door | Steve Vandermeer | TV film |
1999 | Poltergeist: The Legacy | Reed Horton | Appeared in five episodes |
1999 | Mentors | Oscar Wilde | Episode 1.6: "Wilde Card" |
2000 | Earth: Final Conflict | Dennis Robillard | Episode 3.14: "Scorched Earth" |
2000 | The Dinosaur Hunter | Jack | TV film |
2001 | Dark Realm | Brad Collins | Appeared in two episodes |
2001 | Queen of Swords | Captain Charles Wentworth | Episode 1.15: "Runaways"; also series co-executive producer |
2001–2002 | Relic Hunter | Fabrice De Viega | Appeared in three episodes and co-executive producer in the third series. |
2002–2003 | Adventure Inc. | N/A | Co-producer |
2002–2008 | Casualty | Dr. Harry Harper
|
Appeared in 229 episodes |
2004–2005 | Holby City | Harry Harper | Appeared in two episodes |
2005 | Casualty@Holby City | Harry Harper | Appeared in three specials |
2010 | New Tricks | Sir David Bryant | Episode 7.5: "Good Morning Lemmings", (final appearance) |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Simon MacCorkindale". The Telegraph. 16 October 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Hayward, Anthony (18 October 2010). "Simon MacCorkindale: British actor who played Greg Reardon in the US soap opera 'Falcon Crest' and Dr Harry Harper in 'Casualty'". The Independent. Retrieved 17 December 2010.
- ^ "Simon MacCorkindale profile". Film Reference. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
- ^ a b Church, David (26 February 1985). "Simon MacCorkindale: Not Just Another Pretty Face". Soap Opera Digest.
- ^ a b "Obituaries" (PDF). Downing College Association Newsletter and College Record. 2008. pp. 34–35. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 July 2011.
- ^ ISBN 0-86227-244-0.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Eramo, Steven (1999). "Animal Magnetism". TV Zone #117.
- The Newfoundland Herald.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Quinn, Michael (26 October 2010). "Simon MacCorkindale". The Stage.
- ^ Peck, Tom (5 June 2009). "Capt Jack Sparrow and the 10 greatest movie mariners". CNN. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ Screen, Andrew (2003). Production Notes (Quatermass DVD Special Feature). London: Clearvision Video. QBOXDVD01.
- ISSN 0957-3844.
- ^ The Toronto Star.
- ^ "I Don't Wait for the Phone To Ring". Film Review. December 1981.
- ^ Ryan, Desmond (25 July 1983). "'Jaws 3-D': Gore And Not Much More". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. D01.
- TV Times.
- ^ Dawidziak, Mark (7 May 2002). "Joel Rose film project still in talking stages". The Plain Dealer. p. E7.
- ^ "SMCFP – Interview 10th February 2009". Simon MacCorkindale Fan Page. 10 February 2009.
- ^ a b Nikkhah, Roya (8 November 2009). "Casualty's Simon MacCorkindale has terminal cancer". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 10 November 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2009.
- Trinity Mirror. 18 May 2002. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
- Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
- News Corporation. 2 November 2002. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
- ^ a b c Taylor, Caroline (7 March 2008). "Interview: Simon MacCorkindale". Preston Citizen. Archived from the original on 5 December 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2009.
- ^ Smith, Rupert (16 September 2002). "Neighbours from hell". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
- ^ Shelley, Jim (3 October 2007). "TV Dinners: How to make ... a BBC medical drama". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
- ^ Dempster, Sarah (11 February 2008). "The weekend's TV: Tropic of Capricorn". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
- ^ BWW News Desk (29 July 2008). "Simon MacCorkindale Is West End's New Captain Von Trapp". Broadway World. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ^ "Exclusive Interview: 13 Hrs – Jonathan Glendening, Gemma Atkinson and Isabella Calthorpe". Live For Films. 31 August 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2011.
- ^ Best, Jason (19 February 2010). "At the Cinema – A Closed Book – Tom's hammy, Daryl's cheesy: Do they make a tasty duo?". What's on TV. Archived from the original on 8 January 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2011.
- ^ a b "Casualty actor Simon MacCorkindale dies aged 58". BBC News. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
- ^ "Susan George: The sex symbol turns movie mogul". Film Review. May 1989.
- ^ Gillard, David (8 June 2002). "Simon MacCorkindale, back on television as Casualty's new consultant, has been delivering foals rather than lines of late...". Radio Times.
- Coventry Evening Telegraph. 16 July 2005.
- ^ Brenna, Tony; Taylor, Richard (30 October 1984). ""Falcon Crest" Star Weds Secretly in Paradise". National Enquirer.
- ^ a b "The EastEnder who stole Prince Charles' heart". Daily Mirror. 16 June 2001.
- ^ Roberts, Brian (9 November 2009). "Casualty star Simon MacCorkindale reveals he has terminal lung cancer". Daily Mirror. MGN Limited. Retrieved 30 June 2019.
- Express Newspapers. Retrieved 30 June 2019.
- Guardian News & Media Limited. Retrieved 30 June 2019.
- ^ Eden, Richard (17 October 2010). "Casualty star Simon MacCorkindale's costly battle against cancer". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 October 2010. Retrieved 17 December 2010.
External links
- Simon MacCorkindale at IMDb
- Simon MacCorkindale at the TCM Movie Database
- Simon MacCorkindale at AllMovie