Leo McKern

Date of Birth: March 16, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 23, 2002

Biography

Leo McKern was an Australian actor born in Sydney who gained international recognition for his versatility and powerful performances across stage, film, and television. He was born Reginald McKern but later adopted the stage name Leo McKern. Leo began his career in Australian theatre before moving to the United Kingdom in the late 1940s, where he became a staple in British cinema and television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Horace Rumpole in the long-running television series “Rumpole of the Bailey.” McKern brought a unique blend of charm, wit, and gravitas to the role, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. He also appeared in notable films like “A Man for All Seasons,” “The Blue Lagoon,” and “The French Lieutenant’s Woman.” McKern’s deep voice and expressive face made him a memorable character actor, capable of playing both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill. He was also known for his work in Shakespearean theatre, particularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

5 Interesting Facts about Leo McKern

1. Leo McKern lost an eye during an accident at the age of 15, which led him to wear a glass eye for the rest of his life.

2. He served in the Australian Army during World War II before starting his acting career.

3. McKern appeared in three different roles on the popular British television series “The Prisoner.”

4. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1983 for his services to drama.

5. Leo McKern was an accomplished painter and often used his artistic skills to unwind from the pressures of acting.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leo McKern

1. “The nice thing about growing old is that you can talk nonsense and feel no shame about it.”

2. “Acting is a marvellous career, but it’s also a terrible job.”

3. “I’ve always believed that if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’ve no right to laugh at others.”

4. “Theatre is life; film is art; television is furniture.”

5. “I’ve been fortunate enough to play a wide range of characters, but Horace Rumpole will always have a special place in my heart.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Leo McKern’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Leo McKern had two daughters, Abigail McKern and Harriet McKern. Abigail followed in her father’s footsteps and became an actress, while Harriet pursued a career in arts administration.