Michael Williams (actor)

Michael Leonard Williams (9 July 1935 – 11 January 2001) was a British actor who played both classical and comedy roles.

He was best known for co-starring in the sitcom A Fine Romance with his wife Dame Judi Dench, and for voicing Dr. Watson in the long-running Sherlock Holmes adaptations for BBC Radio.

Williams was born in Salford, Lancashire, England.

• A Midsummer Night's Dream (1963)

• The Beggar's Opera (1963)

• The Representative (1963)

• King Lear (1964)

• The Comedy of Errors (1964)

• Marat/Sade (1964)

• The Jew of Malta (1964)

• Don't Make Me Laugh (1965)

• Timon of Athens (1965)

• Hamlet (1965)

• Tango (1966)

• The Taming of the Shrew (1967)

• As You Like It (1967)

• Troilus and Cressida (1968)

• London Assurance (1970)

Williams married Judi Dench on 5 February 1971, the same year in which they co-starred in a stage production of John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi.

They had one daughter, Finty Williams, who is also an actress.

Williams was also godfather to the actor Rory Kinnear.

Williams was the President of the Roman Catholic Actors' Guild.

Shortly before his death from lung cancer aged 65, Williams was appointed a Knight of St Gregory (KSG) by Pope John Paul II for his contribution to Catholic life in Britain.

• The Merchant of Venice (1971)

• The Duchess of Malfi (1971)

• Henry V (1971)

• Toad of Toad Hall (1972)

• Content to Whisper (1973)

• Jingo (1975)

• Too True to Be Good (1975)

• The Comedy of Errors (1976)

• The Winter's Tale (1976)

• Schweik in the Second World War (1977)

• The Montrous Regiment (1978)

• A Village Wooing (1981)

• Quartermaine's Terms (1982)

The honour was officially bestowed upon him at home on 10 January 2001.

He died the next day, and was buried in the churchyard of St Leonard's, the Anglican parish church of Charlecote, Warwickshire.

Williams was a fan of Everton FC.

Principal stage appearances; mostly with the Royal Shakespeare Company: