This Is Your Life: Ian Bannen

Ian BANNEN (1928-1999)

The 1000th subject of This Is Your Life

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Ian Bannen, actor, was surprised by Michael Aspel during a press interview for the newly released comedy film Waking Ned at London's Dorchester Hotel.

Ian, who was born in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, studied at Ratcliffe College in Leicestershire before serving with the Royal Engineers in Egypt. Having started to act at the Gate Theatre while visiting Dublin in 1947, he later became successful on the London stage before becoming an original member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He made his film debut in a small role in Pool of London in 1951 and quickly established himself as a character actor.

His performance in The Flight of the Phoenix in 1965 earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Scottish actor to receive the honour. His other notable films include The Hill, From Beyond the Grave, Eye of the Needle and Braveheart. On television, he appeared in such series as Doctor Finlay, Thriller, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from BAFTA Scotland in 1996.

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