Finally
came the immensely successful and critically acclaimed series in which
this stylish actor was really able to cut loose into a role that was
made for him. He depicted Francis Urquart – the Cabinet Whip and eventual
Prime Minister who deviously masterminded his own rise to power. It
was said at the time of the series appearing on TV, that the then Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher, rescheduled meetings so she wouldn't miss
it. This
brought him three nominations for Best Actor in British Academy Award
he was successful in wining one of those awards.
Perhaps
one of his greatest film roles is that of ‘Mr Book’ in Alex Proyas'
Dark City (1998). He played (alongside Richard O’Brien) one of the
many cloaked figures who creates and maintains the city where all is
not as it appears. The film is superb and includes stellar performances
from Rufus Sewell, Keifer Sutherland and William Hurt. Dark, brooding
and brilliantly written this film seemed to miss the American Academy
Awards (perhaps because there was not enough over acting!). It did manage
to win several of the film festival categories although nothing for
Richardson.
He then appeared as Mr. Torte in '102 Dalmatians' (2000) and
Sir Charles Warren in the excellent version of the Rippers tale in 'From
Hell' (2001). More television work followed with the brilliant 'Strange'
2003 where he played a rather sinister cleric. He showed his great comic
timing a few years later playing Death in the film adaptation of Terry
Pratchetts book - 'The Hogfather' 2006.
Of course in between all these films he carried on his theatre
work. He joined Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Donald Sinden and Dame Diana Rigg
in an international tour of 'The Hollow Crown' for example.
He was appointed CBE in 1989 and was married to Maroussia Frank with
two children.
He
died on the 9th February 2007, peacefully in his sleep. Dame Helen Mirren
dedicated her BAFTA to him during the 2007 awards ceremony saying,
'He
became a mentor to me, he helped me believe in myself. Ian Richardson,
I'm not too sure I would be here today if it wasn't for you'
Quotes:
'I’ve
had a superb career,and I was very lucky to do all those big Shakesperean
roles in my twenties. What really matters to me now is not my CBE nor
my acting awards but my family and my beautiful estate in Devon'
Autobiographies: