Jack May

Jack May was a distinguished actor celebrated for his rich, resonant voice, particularly in roles portraying butlers and figures of authority, often symbolizing Britain's interests in distant territories of the empire. Among his notable performances was that of William E. Simms, a former music hall performer who became the manservant to Gerald Harper's adventurous lead in the 1960s cult television series, *Adam Adamant Lives!* He also lent his voice to Igor, the beleaguered valet in the beloved 1980s animated series *Count Duckula*, produced by Cosgrove Hall.

In cinema, May played significant roles, including that of the district commissioner in the acclaimed film *The Man Who Would Be King* (1975), and he portrayed the prosecuting naval attorney in the 1984 remake of *The Bounty*. For many listeners, he was best recognized as Nelson Gabriel, dubbed "the most disreputable character in Ambridge," in BBC Radio 4's enduring soap opera *The Archers*. May began this role in 1952 and portrayed Gabriel until his passing in 1997, marking an impressive 45-year tenure that positioned him as the fourth-longest serving soap opera actor globally at that time. Jack May passed away at the age of 75 on September 19, 1997, leaving behind his wife, actress Petra Davies, as well as his daughter Henrietta and son David.