Derek Jacobi
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1938-10-22
    • Born Place: Leytonstone, London, England, UK
  • Also Known As:

    데릭 자코비, デレク ジャコビ, درک جاکوبی

Derek Jacobi

Derek George Jacobi, born on October 22, 1938, in Leytonstone, Essex, England, is a distinguished English actor celebrated for his powerful stage presence and versatile performances across theatre, film, and television. The only child of a secretary and a sweet shop owner, Jacobi discovered his passion for acting in his teens, leading him to the drama club at Leyton County High School for Boys. His talent was evident early on, notably in his acclaimed portrayal of Hamlet at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He earned a scholarship to the University of Cambridge, where he initially studied history before focusing on theatre, performing alongside future luminaries like Ian McKellen and Trevor Nunn.Jacobi's professional career began in 1960 with the Birmingham Repertory, where his Henry VIII caught the attention of Laurence Olivier, who invited him to become a founding member of the National Theatre. Despite initial shyness, Jacobi rose to prominence with the company, taking on diverse roles in Shakespearean and modern productions. His international breakthrough came in 1976 with his award-winning portrayal of Emperor Claudius in the BBC television series I, Claudius. This marked the beginning of a successful career in television, with memorable roles in Philby, Burgess and Maclean, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Inside the Third Reich (as Adolf Hitler), and Breaking the Code (as Alan Turing). He also gained a dedicated following for his portrayal of the crime-solving monk Brother Cadfael.In film, Jacobi has appeared in a wide range of productions, including The Day of the Jackal, The Secret of NIMH (voice), Dead Again, Hamlet (as Claudius), Gladiator, Gosford Park, The King's Speech, Cinderella, and most recently, Juliet & Romeo (as the Friar) and the upcoming Gladiator II (as Gracchus). His stage work remains a cornerstone of his career, with acclaimed performances in Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing (winning a Tony Award for the Broadway production), Cyrano de Bergerac (earning a Laurence Olivier Award), and Twelfth Night (also winning an Olivier Award).Sir Derek Jacobi was knighted in 1994 for his services to theatre, adding to his numerous accolades, which include two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a BAFTA Award. Respected for his interpretations of both classical and contemporary roles, Jacobi continues to be a significant figure in the world of acting.

Person History