Born Reginald McKern in Sydney, Australia, Leo McKern lost his left eye in an accident at the age of 15. Despite having a glass eye, he served as part of the Royal Engineering Corps in Victoria during World War II. Determined to become an actor, McKern moved to England in 1946 at age 26. He performed for 3 years with the Old Vic and was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company for 2 years. His career spanned more than 50 years and included appearances on stage, film and television. He was known for both serious and comedic roles and was an acclaimed Shakespearian actor.
During his carreer, he appeared in over 60 films. In 1952, he made his film debut playing a knight in
Murder in the Cathedral, the story of Thomas a Becket. In 1966, he appeared in the role of Thomas Cromwell in
A Man for All Seasons (1966) about the conflict between Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII. In 1965, he played Clang, the high priest, in the Beatles' movie
Help.
In 1975, McKern was cast as the title character in
Rumpole of the Bailey a series written by Sir John Mortimer about a barrister (criminal lawyer) who practices in the Old Bailey in London. McKern was so suited to the role that Mortimer convinced him to continue as
Rumpole for seven series. The last was made in 1992. In recognition of his work, Queen Elizabeth II awarded McKern the Order of Australia in 1983.
After the death of actor John Houseman in 1988, McKern became the spokesman for Smith-Barney, a brokeragecompany/investment bank.
McKern died in 2002 after a long illness.
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Born Reginald McKern in Sydney, Australia, Leo McKern lost his left eye in an accident at the age of 15. Despite having a glass eye, he served as part of the Royal Engineering Corps in Victoria during World War II. Determined to become an actor, McKern moved to England in 1946 at age 26. He performed for 3 years with the Old Vic and was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company for 2 years. His career spanned more than 50 years and included appearances on stage, film and television. He was known for both serious and comedic roles and was an acclaimed Shakespearian actor.
During his carreer, he appeared in over 60 films. In 1952, he made his film debut playing a knight in
Murder in the Cathedral, the story of Thomas a Becket. In 1966, he appeared in the role of Thomas Cromwell in
A Man for All Seasons (1966) about the conflict between Sir Thomas More and King Henry VIII. In 1965, he played Clang, the high priest, in the Beatles' movie
Help.
In 1975, McKern was cast as the title character in
Rumpole of
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