Michael Williams

Michael Leonard Williams KSG (9 July 1935 – 11 January 2001) was a British actor who played both classical and comedy roles. He was best known for co-starring in the sitcom A Fine Romance with his wife Dame Judi Dench, and for voicing Dr. Watson in the long-running Sherlock Holmes adaptations for BBC Radio.

Biography

Williams was born in Salford, Lancashire, England.

Williams married Judi Dench on 5 February 1971, the same year in which they co-starred in a stage production of John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi. They had one daughter, Finty Williams, who is also an actress. Williams was also godfather to the actor Rory Kinnear.

Williams was the President of the Roman Catholic Actors' Guild.

Shortly before his death from lung cancer aged 65, Williams was appointed a Knight of St Gregory (KSG) by Pope John Paul II for his contribution to Catholic life in Britain. The honour was officially bestowed upon him at home on 10 January 2001. He died the next day, and was buried in the churchyard of St Leonard's, the Anglican parish church of Charlecote, Warwickshire. Williams was a fan of Everton FC.

Filmography

Film

Television

Select radio roles

Stage roles

Principal stage appearances; mostly with the Royal Shakespeare Company:

Also appeared in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Theatre-Go-Round Festival, Round House Theatre, London, 1970.