Quiz

Queen Elizabeth noticed Courtenay's shyness when she met him at a Buckingham reception during the run of "Doctor Zhivago." The monarch reportedly remarked, "Look at him, and to think he's just led a revolution!".

He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2001 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to drama.

He is the subject of the song "Tom Courtenay" by Yo La Tengo.

Courtenay was offered but rejected the title role in Gesù di Nazareth (1977) because he disliked the screenplay. It became a big break for Robert Powell.

Has admitted to feeling in awe of fellow actor Albert Finney, especially during the early days of their respective careers.

He was nominated for two Tony Awards as Best Actor (Play): in 1977 for "Otherwise Engaged," and in 1982 for "The Dresser," a part recreated in his Oscar-nominated performance in the film of the same name, Il servo di scena (1983).

Has an intense dislike for stardom or anything connected with it.

He was awarded the 1994 London Critics Circle Theatre Award (Drama Theatre) for Best Actor for his performance in Moscow Stations.

Courtenay's agent landed him the Max von Sydow role in Hawaii (1966) for $90,000, but he declined it.

He graduated from RADA and became an Associate Member.

He inspired Maurice Colbourne to become an actor after they had a chance meeting.

He won Actor of the Year Award at the Variety Club Awards in 1972 for his performance in 'Time and Time Again'.

Studied at RADA in 1954.

He was awarded the 1994 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in Moscow Stations.

Attended RADA with fellow actor John Thaw.

In May 2005, he was appearing in "The Home Place" by Brian Friel at the Comedy Theatre, London.

He is the second cousin of Paul Popplewell.

In January 2010, he was living in London, England.

He was head boy at Kingston High School at the time John Alderton attended.