Donald Pleasence
Donald Pleasence: A Life of Character
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Donald Henry Pleasence was born on October 5, 1919, in Brunt Broughton, Northamptonshire, England. He is often referred to as Don or simply Pleasence by fans and colleagues alike.
#### Birth and Death Dates
October 5, 1919 - February 30, 1995
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Donald Pleasence was a British actor who worked primarily in film and television. His nationality is often described as British, but he also held Canadian citizenship.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Donald Pleasence's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Born to a father who struggled with mental illness, Pleasence learned from an early age the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness. He attended the local elementary school in Brunt Broughton before moving to London to pursue his passion for acting.
#### Early Career
Pleasence began his career on stage, performing in various theater productions throughout England. His first major role was in the 1939 production of "The Importance of Being Earnest", which caught the attention of critics and helped launch his career.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Donald Pleasence achieved numerous milestones that solidified his place in the world of entertainment. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Smith in the 1968 film "The Flesh and Blood Show"
Winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Michael Rennie's lawyer in the 1975 film "Airport"
Being awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1987 for his contributions to the artsNotable Works or Actions
Pleasence's work on screen is a testament to his remarkable talent and versatility. Some of his most notable roles include:
"The Great Escape" (1963): Pleasence played the role of Captain Colin Blythe, a British officer who befriends Steve McQueen's character.
"You Only Live Twice" (1967): Pleasence took on the iconic role of Blofeld, the megalomaniacal villain behind SPECTRE.
"Halloween" (1978) and its sequels: Pleasence played the memorable role of Dr. Loomis, a psychiatrist obsessed with stopping Michael Myers.
Impact and Legacy
Donald Pleasence's impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable. He inspired countless actors and filmmakers with his unique talent and dedication to his craft. His legacy extends beyond his filmography, as he paved the way for other British actors in Hollywood.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Pleasence's enduring popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors:
Unique voice: Pleasence's distinctive voice and mannerisms have become iconic in their own right.
Versatility: He demonstrated an impressive range, taking on roles that showcased his comedic, dramatic, and villainous talents.
* Timeless performances: His work continues to captivate audiences today, more than two decades after his passing.
Donald Pleasence's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. From humble beginnings to international stardom, he left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Quotes by Donald Pleasence
The play is on top of me all the time, and I am constantly thinking about it. Even when I leave the theatre, I'll mumble the lines to myself or think about the way the character walks or holds himself.
It’s hard to play a continuing character like Loomis for nearly 11 years and simply wash your hands of him. It seems a pity.
At this point in my career, it doesn’t bother me much that I’m probably hopelessly typecast. I like to work, and horror films definitely keep me working.
Loomis has always felt himself responsible for the fact that he did not stop Michael when he first murdered his sister, and so he’s got that guilt to live with.
I don’t really know how many films I’ve done, and I don’t look at this as a race that I necessarily want to win. Nor is it a race that I want to stop running.
John and I had a few meetings about what direction the sequel should take. I made some real insane suggestions. True to what you’d expect, he ignored them all and just picked up Halloween II where the original left off.
I was offered a choice of a flat salary up front or a percentage of the film’s future earnings. I took the up front money. Nobody could have figured what Halloween would ultimately become.
