Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Nicol Williamson 1936-2011



“A dream to some, A NIGHTMARE TO OTHERS!”.

Nicol Williamson, who was once described by playwright John Osborne as “the greatest actor since Marlon Brando” has passed away at the age of 75. The family reports that he passed away in mid December.

The Scottish-born actor preferred the stage to the screen. He was nominated for two Tony Awards for his stage work, and his screentime earned him several BAFTA, Saturn, and British Academy Television Award nominations.

He was best known for his iconic performance of Merlin in John Boorman’s King Arthur epic EXCALIBUR (1981), where he was opposite Helen Mirren. He also played Little John opposite Sean Connery’s Robin Hood in ROBIN AND MARIAN (1975). Other notable film credits include RETURN TO OZ (1985), and THE EXORCIST III (1990). His final film credit was SPAWN (1997).

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This Blogger considers Williamson’s Merlin to be the definitive portrayal of the character; it has not been matched in the various films and TV shows that have come after. He will be remembered in this Blogger’s mind always for his musical deliveries of his lines.

“Be still. Sleep. Rest in the arms of the Dragon. Dream.”

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