Christopher Cazenove


Christopher de Lerisson Cazenove was an English film, television and stage actor.

Early life and career

He was born Christopher de Lerisson Cazenove, on 17 December 1943, the son of Brigadier Arnold de Lerisson Cazenove and Elizabeth Laura in Winchester, Hampshire, but was brought up in Bowlish, Somerset. He was educated at the Dragon School, Eton College, Durham University's College of the Venerable Bede and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Cazenove often portrayed British aristocrats, and first made his name in the 1972 drama series, The Regiment. Other notable roles included Charlie Tyrrell in the 1976-77 period drama series The Duchess of Duke Street, and in 1986 he appeared as Ben Carrington in the US soap opera Dynasty, which he played until the following year. From 2001-03, he had a recurring role in the British drama series Judge John Deed, playing Row Colemore.
On the stage, he appeared as Henry Higgins in the British and American productions of My Fair Lady from 2005 through to 2008. He also starred in the London West End production of The Importance of Being Earnest in 1994 alongside Susannah York.

Personal life

Cazenove was married to actress Angharad Rees from 1973 until their divorce in 1994. They had two sons, Linford James ; and Rhys William ; Linford died in a car crash on the M11 in Essex. From 2003 until his death, Cazenove's partner was Isabel Davis.

Death

In February 2010, Cazenove collapsed at his London home. He was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in London, suffering from septicaemia. He died on 7 April 2010 from the effects of the illness at St Thomas's Hospital, aged 66. The actor "died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones", said a statement released by his agent, his family and girlfriend.
Cazenove's funeral on 16 April 2010 was held at St Paul's, Covent Garden, London.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1970Julius Caesar Servant to Mark AntonyUncredited
1970There's a Girl in My SoupNigelUncredited
1974Doctor Watson and the Darkwater Hall MysterySir Harry
1975Royal FlashEric Hansen
1977East of Elephant RockRobert Proudfoot
1978La petite fille en velours bleu Baby
1979Zulu DawnLt. Coghill
1981Eye of the NeedleDavid
1981'Tadek
1983Heat and DustDouglas Rivers, the Assistant Collector
Merchant Ivory Film
1984Until SeptemberPhilip
1985Jenny's WarCapt. PrestonTV Series, 4 episodes
1985Mata HariKarl von Bayerling
1986The FantasistInspector McMyler
1988Windmills of the GodsDesforgesTV Mini-Series, 2 episodes
1988Tears in the RainMichael BredonTV movie
1988Blind JusticeJoseph MahoneyAlso known as Hold My Hand I'm Dying
1989SouvenirWilliam Root
1989The Lady and the HighwaymanRudolph VyneTV movie
19903 Men and a Little LadyEdward Hargreave
1992'Palmer
1996The ProprietorElliott SpencerMerchant Ivory Film
1998Shadow RunMelchior
2000Contaminated ManPresident of Clarion
2001A Knight's TaleJohn Thatcher
2001Beginner's LuckAndrew Fontaine
2004La Femme MusketeerAthosTV Mini-Series, 2 episodes
2009Hotel BabylonDamien RushbyTV Series, 1 episode
2010Alexander the Great from MacedoniaAristotle

Television