Biography for
Charles Dance (I)

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Trivia

Children, Oliver and Rebecca

He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama in the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

In 1975 he became supporting player with the Royal Shakespeare Company and played roles in "Hamlet," "Henry IV," "Richard III," "Henry V," "As You Like It," and "Coriolanus," among others.

Found international notice after playing the leading part of Guy Perron in the TV mini-series "The Jewel in the Crown" (1984).

Insitially studied graphic design at an art school in Leicester, but on returning to Devon, a passion for acting took over his interest.

Following the death of his father at age four, his mother moved he and his siblings to the Plymouth area of Devon. Charles went on to and two retired RADA actors agreed to coach him part time.

Personal Quotes

I hate the "suave and debonair" tag. I am neither.

When you have a label stuck on you, people tend to believe it. If someone calls you suave and debonair you only get offered parts in a suit and a collar and tie. It just so happens I wear them reasonably well.

The quality of writing attracts me to films, also who the other actors are, who the director is, where it's being shot. Any or all of those things. But if the writing is really appalling then the money had better be really good. Sometimes you say yes to something you wouldn't always do because you need the money.

Hollywood seems to be now moving away from the idea of casting Brits as villains and is casting the French instead. It's something to do with the war, I suspect.

[1987 comment on Meryl Streep] Let's just say I found her a little distant. I hardly got to know her. We had dinner a couple of times, but she only spoke about work. I didn't find her easy to work with, but it's not her job to make it easy for me.

[1987 comment on Trevor Howard] I believe Trevor Howard has quite a nice, gentle riposte to unwanted attention. Someone saw him in a bar once and said, "Are you Trevor Howard?". "Yes," he replied, "when I'm working I am."

[1987 comment on Shirley MacLaine] She's an extraordinary woman, a little 'round the bend I think, but she's been doing what she does for a long time and she does it very well. Where Meryl Streep is intellectual, Shirley follows her gut. I like that better.

Where Are They Now

(January 2008) Appearing on the London stage in 'Shadowlands' with Janie Dee.

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