David Battcock

Does anyone know what has happened to Nicol Williamson, a very fine actor, some would say extraordinary, who came up along with Anthony Hopkins etc. Known as a great drunk and anarchist, last film spawn and wind in the Willows in 1996. What is he doing now?

David Brent

Hi David,

Nicol Williamson also appeared in "How to Dial a Murder" and "Spawn" both in 1997.Havn't heard anything more after that but he is known as a very fine stage actor so maybe somewhere he is doing the odd play or two.
My favourite films of his were "The Reckoning"(1969) and "Robin & Marion"(1976)in which he played Little John.
He was also much acclaimed for his filmed portrayal of "Hamlet."
Was once married to actress Jill Townsend.
Yet another fine Brit actor who seems to have disappeared while no one was looking.

Dave.

mgenevieve

Interesting that Nicol Williamson's name pops up again as I posted the same question on this forum last June (18th).
On another film forum in the year 2000, I asked what ever happened to him and someone from England replied to me:

"Alas, the gossip I heard is that he's even worse than those two [the late Harris and O'Toole during their drinking days]. Even his agent has had difficulty contacting him, because he doesn't know which gutter to look for him in. A great pity. His portrayal of Merlin in Boorman's Excalibur still haunts me, almost twenty years later. O'Toole and Harris are still relatively employable, but Williamson's consumption of alcohol makes him too risky a proposition. At least, that's what I heard...."

Of course, we do not know if this is true, I hope not. That was 4 years ago. One thing is certain: I adored him as Little John in Robin and Marion and as Merlin in Excalibur.
He was a great and magnficent actor.

Not knowing what is going on with him now is the worst part. The same applies to the great actor Kenneth Haigh

Genevieve

sanndevil

I saw him on the West End stage in 1994 in the appropriate play "Jack - A Night on the town with John Marrymore" - obviously a kinship there as Barrymore was a notorious tippler. Williamson was absolutely stunning.

At that point, NW was definitely dry. It would be almost impossible to hold a demanding performance down night after night if he was off the wagon. I remember one of the routines in the monologue was him jogging up and down the aisles of the theatre whilst delivering his lines. Awesome!

Cheers
Nigel

mgenevieve

Thank you for posting this information, Nigel. It must have been a great experience seeing Williamson in such a role. I hope that both Williamson and Haigh are in good spirits and health then, and that they will return to the stage soon.

Best,

Gen

P.S. My apologies that I recycled gossip.
blush

Joan Hager

Hi David,
The same question came to my mind today out of the blue. I was thinking of the time I saw Nicol Williamson at the Circle in the Square theatre in New York in the 70's. He was standing in for George C. Scott in Uncle Vanya. Late for the show, he almost ran us down in the lobby - totally absorbed in getting to the stage - he was fantastic . I miss that voice. I do hope that the replies you received about his drinking were wrong ( I think the writers did too) - what a waste. Maybe he'll turn up in something soon.

David Battcock

Thanks everybody for the thoughts on Nicol Williamson. I have know discovered him. He has retired from performing at present and lives in a small village on a Greek Island. I run a production company in the Uk and had wanted to try and make a film about him, and true to form he initially was happy with the idea dn then changed his mind so the prject is off. If artists weren't difficult they wouldn't be great. I am still keen to to make a documentary about some of the great unsung supporting actors or B movie actors. Any thoughts?

Hackett

Take your pick:
David Lodge
Sam Kydd
Patrick Jorden
Victore Madden
Percy Herbert
The list is endless just for men. One name does spring to mind and that is John Bindon. He didn't make a lot of films but the people he mixed with did. Plus mixing with Royalty, getting away with murder and dying of aids there's enough for a six part series.

Allen Dace

I saw that play too - the run didn't last very long sadly and the theatre (The Criterion on Piccadilly Circus) was virtually empty. In a sea of empty seats behind me sat isolated were TV host Bob Holness and his wife. The most interesting thing however was the fact that John Osborne was further down my row. Not very long into the (very good) performance he stood up loud and clearly drunk, loudly exclaimed "This man used to have talent - then he went to America!" and stormed out. Williamson to his credit didn't bat an eyelid.

Phil Turner

Having tuned in to watch the excellent series John Osbourne and the Gift of Friendship on Channel 5 recently, I was delighted to see Nicol Williamson amongst the contributors. He looked well and his insights were articulate and intelligent. Like many of his fans I have missed his presence on stage and screen in recent years, especially as many of his contemporaries, such as Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen, are still in great demand. I know there have been various reports about personal problems forcing him to give up acting, but his reappearance has raised my hopes that this talented and charismatic actor might yet make a comeback. However, I'm not sure if the interview with him was recorded recently or, indeed, whether he would be interested in resurrecting his career. I hope so.

Regards
Phil Turner

plasticjock

I heard a discussion on the radio about 3 years ago during which it was bemoaned that his stage performances were greatly missed. Apparently he suffered severe stage fright before each performance which he countered with what became excessive drinking. It was suggested that since giving up alchohol his stage fright precludes him returning.
Watching him on The Gift of Friendship on Channel 5, he did look well but seemed wary of the camera which may have accounted for his flushed demeanour.
Still, it was wonderful to hear those rich, deep tones again. Perhaps he could ease himself back into performing by doing some radio work. Not that I'm suggesting radio work is easy but unless it is live, it can be less demanding on the nerves.

Loui

Bit of a long shot but...

I am Interested in Nicol Williamson's play 'Jack-a night on the town with John Barrymore'
I have been trying to find a copy of the Radio 4 version of the play for a few years.
My father is desperate to listen to it again but cannot make the journey to London to listen again at the British Library audio archives.

If anyone knows where I could get a copy I would be very pleased to hear from you. doesn't matter re quality of recording etc

Loui