Peter Ellis

Peter Ellis, born on May 30, 1936, is a distinguished English actor renowned for his extensive work in both theatre and television as an actor and director. His career highlights include a noteworthy four-season tenure with the Royal Shakespeare Company, five years at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, and three years with the Old Vic Company. At the Old Vic, he portrayed memorable roles such as Benvolio in Zeffirelli's *Romeo and Juliet*, Hotspur in *Henry IV, Part 1*, and Rosencrantz in a world tour of *Hamlet* alongside Derek Jacobi. Additionally, he played Guildenstern in *Hamlet* at the site of the new Globe Theatre.

In London's West End, Ellis showcased his talent in productions like *The Tulip Tree* and Ray Cooney's *Funny Money*. He is perhaps most famous for his role as Chief Superintendent Charles Brownlow in the long-running ITV series *The Bill*. His television credits also include semi-regular appearances in *Emmerdale Farm* and *Coronation Street*, along with roles in *Sam Lytton's Diary*, *Edward and Mrs Simpson*, and more.

Ellis's film work includes a part in the 1981 horror classic *An American Werewolf in London* and a notable appearance in the play *Trafford Tanzi* in 1983. After leaving *The Bill* in 2000, he returned for a guest role in 2002 and appeared in his son Hugh Ellis's film *The Mortician's Tea Party*.

In addition to his acting career, Ellis directed the comedy *What Would Helen Mirren Do?* for the Edinburgh Festival in 2010. His recent work includes a performance in *As You Like It* at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester in 2011 and *For King & Country* at the Southwark Playhouse in 2018.