Brian Blessed: Staged Start

Brian Blessed was raised in Goldthorpe, a mining village in South Yorkshire. Following his training at the Bristol Old Vic, Brian has since carved a distinguished and varied career spanning all media. One of his first stage roles came, when he starred in the original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical: Cats in 1981, which saw him nominated for a SWET award.

Leading on from this, Brian appeared in many Shakespearian roles and has been part of the Royal Shakespeare Society for many years. Specifically appearing in four of the five Shakespeare films, directed by Kenneth Brannagh; this included major parts in Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet.

Gordon’s Alive?! – Brian Blessed

From his infamous part as Prince Vultan, in cult science fiction movie ‘Flash Gordon’  in 1980; a role he is still fondly remembered for to this day.

Many Faces One Voice

Having played over 100 characters in his career, he has also made famous appearances in: Doctor Who, Blackadder and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Brian Blessed has lent his voice to many parts in his career: including CGI character Boss Nass in Star wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace,  the villain Clayton in Disney’s Tarzan and Judge Jawbreaker in Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return.

Away from acting, he is also a published author, having released nine books so far including The Turquoise Mountain: Brian Blessed on Everest; which documents his ascent of the largest peak on earth. Therefore becoming the oldest person to reach the 28,000 feet mark, without the assistance of oxygen.

He has also embarked on many other expeditions including: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trekking across the North Pole and exploring the Lost World in Venezuela. His naturally adventurous nature, shows no signs of ceasing and he has previously expressed an interest about travelling into space.

Brian’s Theatre Credits

• Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats
• Exeter in Henry V
• Hastings in Richard III at the RSC
• Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Brian’s TV Credits

• Augustus Caesar in I Claudius
• PC Fancy Smith in Z Cars
• Porthos in The Three Musketeers
• Richard IV in Black Adder