Paul Scofield, born on January 21, 1922, was an English actor of stage and screen. Renowned for his powerful and nuanced performances, commanding stage presence and profound understanding of character, he earned the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony for his work
I have found that an actor’s work has life and interest only in its execution. It seems to wither away in discussion, and become emptily theatrical and insubstantial.
Paul Scofield
Scofield’s theatrical brilliance reached its pinnacle with his portrayal of Sir Thomas More in the Broadway production of Robert Bolt’s play “A Man for All Seasons(1962).” Scofield received the Tony Award for Best Actor for his performance. Four years later, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor when he reprised the role in the 1966 film adaptation, making him one of eleven to receive a Tony and Academy Award for the same role.
While primarily celebrated for his stage achievements, Scofield’s filmography includes notable works like The Train (1964), King Lear (1971), A Delicate Balance (1973), Henry V (1989), and Hamlet (1990). His magnetic performances were characterized by a rare blend of intellectual depth and emotional resonance, captivating audiences and critics alike.
He portrayed Mark Van Doren in the 1994 historical drama Quiz Show, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 1996, for his role as Thomas Danforth in the film adaptation of The Crucible, he received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He also received the Primetime Emmy Award for Male of the Species (1969).
Scofield died from leukemia on March 19, 2008 at the age of 86.
