John Shrapnel, born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, is the son of Mary Lillian Myfanwy (née Edwards) and journalist Norman Shrapnel. A distinguished stage actor, Shrapnel was part of Laurence Olivier's esteemed Royal National Theatre company as well as the Royal Shakespeare Company. One of his recent stage highlights was his portrayal of Sir Oliver Surface in "The School for Scandal," directed by Deborah Warner at the Barbican Centre in 2011.
Shrapnel's extensive career spans film and television, showcasing his talent in notable productions such as "Elizabeth R," "Z-Cars," "Edward and Mrs. Simpson," "101 Dalmatians," "Space: 1999," "Inspector Morse," "Coogan's Run," "Notting Hill," and "Foyle's War." He also hosted an episode of the 1983 BBC travel series "Great Little Railways." His performances in the BBC Television Shakespeare adaptations, including the 1984 productions of Sophocles' Three Theban plays, are particularly celebrated.
In the United States, he has taken on supporting roles in films like "Gladiator," where he played Senator Gaius, and "Troy," portraying Nestor. He made his mark on the miniseries "The 10th Kingdom" as the Jail Warden and appeared in "Midsomer Murders" in two different episodes. Shrapnel's versatility extends to radio drama, where he voiced characters in adaptations of Colin Dexter's "Inspector Morse" and William Gibson's "Neuromancer."
Married to Francesca Ann Bartley, the daughter of actress Deborah Kerr, Shrapnel is a proud father to three sons: actors Lex and Tom Shrapnel, and writer Joe Shrapnel. The family resides in Highbury, north London.
