John Shrapnel
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1942-04-27
    • Born Place: Birmingham, England, UK
  • Deathday:

    2020-02-14

  • Also Known As:

    John Morley Shrapnel

John Shrapnel

John Shrapnel (27 April 1942 – 14 February 2020) was a distinguished British actor known for his commanding performances across theatre, film, television, and radio. Born in Birmingham and the son of political journalist Norman Shrapnel, he trained at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, and became a prominent member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His rich, resonant voice and classical stage presence led to acclaimed roles in productions like Macbeth, Hamlet, and The Bacchae. On screen, he appeared in notable films such as Gladiator (2000), Troy (2004), and Notting Hill (1999), and had a strong presence on British television in series like Elizabeth R and The Woman in White. Shrapnel was also a celebrated voice actor and narrator, earning awards for his work in documentaries. Married to Francesca Bartley, daughter of legendary actress Deborah Kerr, he had three sons, including actor Lex Shrapnel. John Shrapnel passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and nuanced performances that spanned five decades.

Person History