Peter Bowles

An alumnus of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, actor Peter Bowles has been refining his craft for over 50 years. Leaving the stage for the television in 1959, it wasn't until 1966 that Bowles landed a recognizable role.

As Ron in visionary Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni's art house thriller and ode to mod London, "Blow-Up," Bowles established himself as a rising young actor. After a string of television appearances Bowles co-starred in Tony Richardson's war drama "The Charge of the Light Brigade" with "Blow-Up" co-star, Vanessa Redgrave.

The following year Bowles was cast in Richardson's "Laughter in the Dark," adapted from Vladimir Nabokov's novel. Moving into the '70s, Bowles was cast in two strong supporting roles, alongside Sean Connery in Sidney Lumet's thriller "The Offence" and as Freddie in the endearing black comedy "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg."

Gaining more substantial television roles in the late '70s, Bowles was cast as Guthrie Featherstone on the crime drama "Rumpole of the Bailey." Taking a comedic turn, he was cast in two of his best-known roles, as Archie Glover on "Only When I Laugh" and as Richard DeVere on "To the Manor Born."

Working consistently and successfully on television in the '80s and '90s, Bowles continued with comedies as Major Sinclair Yeates on "The Irish R.M." and on "Perfect Scoundrels." Younger American audiences may recognize Bowles as Miles in the Jason Statham action thriller "The Bank Job."

Peter Bowles died on March 17, 2022 at the age of 85.