Wissenswertes

From 1945 to 1950, he was a major performer for Laurence Olivier's Old Vic Company at the New Theatre, St Martin's Lane.

He made his stage debut in 1932.

Was a Communist party member in the 1940s and early '50s; while he eventually renounced the Soviet model, he remained a committed socialist.

Trained as a lawyer and was called to the Middle Temple bar in 1963, though he never practiced.

Acted in both The Avengers and The New Avengers.

Spent five months during the late 1940s as director of Worthing Repertory.

His love of art came from his parents, the printmaker John Copley and the painter Ethel Gabain.

Studied acting at the Old Vic school under Harcourt Williams and 'Murray MacDonald'. He made his stage debut as the gaoler in the Old Vic production of "The Winter's Tale" in 1932, and his West End debut three years later.

Frequently performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and with the Bristol Old Vic.

Had one daughter Fanny.

Was equally adept at portraying sinister or villainous, or meek and downtrodden characters.