English actor. Known for his work on stage and screen, especially with the Royal National Theater and acting with Laurence Olivier as one of its founding members. Best known for his Shakespearean stage productions, he also appeared in BBC series. Awards include Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (1985), British Academy Television Award for Best Actor (1976), Laurence Olivier Awards (1983 & 2009), Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (1988 & 2001), was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his service to the theater (1994), and earned Screen Actors Guild Awards (2001 & 2010).
