James Villiers

Who was James Villiers?

James Michael Hyde Villiers was an English character actor and a familiar face on British television. He was particularly memorable for his plummy voice and ripe articulation.

Born in London and educated at Wellington College, Berkshire and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, 'Gentleman Jim' Villiers was from an upper-class background, related to the Earls of Clarendon, and this was often reflected in the types of roles he played, such as King Charles II in the BBC series, The First Churchills.

He made his film debut in 1958, and appeared in many British films over the years, including Joseph Losey's The Damned a.k.a. These Are the Damned, shot in 1961, but not released until 1963; Seth Holt's The Nanny, Joseph Andrews, For Your Eyes Only, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mountains of the Moon and The Tichborne Claimant, along with numerous other projects. He often specialised in playing cold, somewhat effete villains.

He even starred in an episode of the 1970s TV series The Famous Five