Jonathan Adams (British actor)


Jonathan Adams was an English actor specifically of television and film, but he also appeared in theatre roles. He was also an artist who continued exhibiting works throughout his life.

Biography

Born John Adams in Northampton, he trained as an artist at Northampton Art College and Chelsea College of Art. He became an actor in 1959, but continued his work as an artist. His final exhibition, "Jonathan Adams in Wonderland", opened at the Riverside Studios in London, the April before his death. He was especially known for his surrealist cartoons and collages.
As an actor, he is best known for his role as the Narrator in the original 1973 London production of The Rocky Horror Show, and is featured on the original cast soundtrack; but is also famous for portraying the part of Dr. Everett Von Scott in the 1975 film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
He played a number of roles in British theatre, TV and film, including work with The Actor's Company and at the Old Vic. On television, he played the part of Adam the shepherd in the TV mini-series Jesus of Nazareth, the part of the Reverend Quiverful in the BBC serial The Barchester Chronicles, in the TV serial The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes he played Jonas Oldacre in "The Norwood Builder", the part of Carter in the Miss Marple episode "Nemesis", and the part of Professor Marriott in Yes, Prime Minister. His film career included appearances in British comedies such as Eskimo Nell, Three for All, It Could Happen to You, Adventures of a Private Eye and Adventures of a Plumber's Mate.
In 1993 he played the part of Inspector Lejeune in The Pale Horse, a BBC Radio 4 adaptation of the novel by Agatha Christie. It was adapted specially to mark the 50th anniversary of the Saturday Night Theatre strand.
He was a member of the London cast of Tom Foolery. He died in London, England, of a stroke at the age of 74.
A portrait of Jonathan Adams by British artist David Gommon is displayed on the BBC Paintings on-line gallery.

Filmography