Robin Nedwell
Robin Courteney Nedwell (27 September 1946 – 1 February 1999) was an English actor. He is best remembered for his role as Duncan Waring in the television comedy series Doctor in the House and its sequels; he also featured in other television series such as The Lovers, The Upchat Connection, The Climber and the ATV comedy-drama Shillingbury Tales.
Robin Nedwell | |
---|---|
Born | 27 September 1946 Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK |
Died | 1 February 1999 52) | (aged
Spouse(s) | Heather Inglis (1982–1999) (his death) |
Children | 1 |
Biography
He was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England but moved with his family at an early age to Cardiff, Wales, where he was educated at Monkton House prep school. After leaving school he studied at University College, Cardiff and joined local theatre company, Everyman Theatre Cardiff, and then trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama studying Stage Acting.[1]
Soon after finishing drama school he landed the role of Duncan Waring in the hugely popular British television comedy series Doctor in the House (1969–70).[2] The producer, Humphrey Barclay, talking about Nedwell's audition said "his natural personality and sense of comedy were immediately apparent and we cast him on the spot", and recalled his trademark "huge laugh".[3] Taking a break from the series in 1971, Nedwell returned in a leading role as Dr. Waring in the sequels Doctor in Charge, Doctor at Sea, Doctor on the Go, Doctor Down Under (filmed in Australia), and Doctor at the Top.[2] Most of his roles were designed for television, and apart from the "Doctor" series, his appearances included Vault of Horror (1973) – along with his "Doctor" co-star Geoffrey Davies – Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers (1977), The Shillingbury Blowers (1980), The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984) and Cluedo (1990).[4]
Nedwell became known later in his career for his performances on stage. He appeared in the West End in Brigadoon in 1989, and in 1992, played Max Detweiler in a British tour of The Sound of Music, a production that was also staged at Sadler's Wells.[1] He performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 1995–1996 season, appearing in that year's productions of The Taming of the Shrew (Grumio), Richard III and Ben Jonson's comedy The Devil is an Ass.[5]
Personal life
Nedwell had a romance with co-star Diane Keen.[6] In 1982, Nedwell married PR agent Heather Inglis, although the couple later separated. They had one daughter, Amie. He had a brother, Dr. Jeremy Nedwell.[3]
Robin died at his doctor's surgery in Hedge End, Hampshire, England after suffering a heart attack.[7]
Filmography
- The Vault of Horror (1973) – Tom (segment 4 "Bargain in Death")
- Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers (1977) – Lt. Grainger
- The Shillingbury Blowers (1980) – Peter Higgins
- A Slice of Life (1983) – Toby
- The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984) – Will Scarlett
References
- Anthony Hayward Obituary: Robin Nedwell, The Independent, 4 February 1999
- McGillivray, By David (3 February 1999). "Robin Nedwell Obituary". the Guardian.
- BBC News, 2 February 1999, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/270324.stm
- "Robin Nedwell". BFI.
- "Search | RSC Performances | Shakespeare Birthplace Trust". collections.shakespeare.org.uk.
- "Give Me the Simple Life Says Hell-raiser Robin". TV Times. 6 January 1980.
- "Doctor star Nedwell dies", BBC News Online, 2 February 1999
External links
- Robin Nedwell at IMDb
- Robin Nedwell – TV Comedy People
- Robin Nedwell – BBC Guide to Comedy
- Robin Nedwell – Famous alumni of Canton High School, Cardiff