John Mortimer

Date of Birth: April 21, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 16, 2009

Biography

Sir John Mortimer was an English barrister, dramatist, screenwriter, and novelist, born on April 21, 1923, in Hampstead, London, England. He is best known for creating the character Horace Rumpole, a barrister who appears in the Rumpole of the Bailey series. Mortimer’s father, Clifford Mortimer, was also a barrister, and his mother, Kathleen May, was a writer. Mortimer was educated at Harrow School before attending Brasenose College, Oxford, where he read law. Despite beginning his career as a barrister, he eventually became more recognized for his literary contributions. His first novel, “Charade,” was published in 1947. His most famous work, however, remains the Rumpole series, which began with “Rumpole of the Bailey” in 1978. The series was adapted into a successful television series, featuring Leo McKern in the title role. Mortimer was also known for his work as a playwright and screenwriter, with notable projects including adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited” and the film “Tea with Mussolini.” He was knighted in 1998 for his services to the arts.

5 Interesting Facts about John Mortimer

1. John Mortimer initially pursued a career in law, following in the footsteps of his father, before gaining fame as a writer.

2. The character of Horace Rumpole was inspired by Mortimer’s own experiences and observations as a barrister.

3. Mortimer was an outspoken advocate for civil liberties and was involved in several high-profile legal cases defending free speech.

4. He wrote the screenplay for the 1981 television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited,” which is considered one of the greatest British television dramas.

5. Mortimer was married twice and had a total of five children.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Mortimer

1. “The only rule I have found to have any validity in writing is not to bore yourself.”

2. “There is always more misery among the lower classes than there is humanity in the higher.”

3. “To escape jury duty in England, wear a bowler hat and carry a copy of The Times.”

4. “No brilliance is needed in the law. Nothing but common sense, and relatively clean fingernails.”

5. “I refuse to spend my life worrying about what I eat. There is no pleasure worth foregoing just for an extra three years in the geriatric ward.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Mortimer’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

John Mortimer had five children. He had two children, Jeremy and Sally, with his first wife, Penelope Fletcher. With his second wife, Penelope Gollop, he had a daughter named Emily Mortimer, who is an actress, and a son named Ross Bentley. He also had another daughter, Rosie Mortimer, with actress Wendy Craig.