Wilfrid Brambell
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- March 22, 1912
- Died
- January 18, 1985
- Birthplace
- Dublin, Ireland
Henry Wilfrid Brambell (22 March 1912 – 18 January 1985) was an Irish actor best known for his role as Albert Steptoe in the BBC television sitcom Steptoe and Son. He began his acting career in theatre before appearing in British films and television productions, including The Quatermass Experiment (1953), Nineteen Eighty-Four (1954), In Search of the Castaways (1962), and Holiday on the Buses (1973). In 1964, he gained international recognition for his role as Paul McCartney's fictional grandfather in the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night. Following the success of Steptoe and Son, Brambell continued to perform in theatre, film and television, including a leading role in the stage play The Banana Box (1971) and a critically acclaimed performance in Terence Davies' short film Death and Transfiguration (1983). Brambell was born in Dublin, Ireland, and began performing as a child, entertaining wounded soldiers during the First World War. Before becoming a professional actor, he worked as a reporter for The Irish Times and performed at Dublin's Abbey Theatre. During the Second World War, he served with the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), entertaining British military personnel. Brambell died of cancer at his home in Westminster, London, on 18 January 1985, aged 72.
Filmography
Great Comedy Moments 2001
as Albert Steptoe (archive footage)
Sword of the Valiant: The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 1984
as Porter
The Terence Davies Trilogy 1983
as Robert Tucker (old age)
Death and Transfiguration 1983
as Robert Tucker
The Island of Adventure 1981
as Uncle Jocelyn
- High Rise Donkey
High Rise Donkey 1980
as Ben Foxcroft
The Adventures of Picasso 1978
as Alice B. Toklas
Holiday on the Buses 1973
as Bert Thompson
Steptoe & Son Ride Again 1973
as Albert Steptoe
Steptoe & Son 1972
as Albert Steptoe
Catch Me a Spy 1971
as Beech
Some Will, Some Won't 1970
as Henry Russell
Carry On Again Doctor 1969
as Mr. Pullen (uncredited)
Giacomo Casanova: Childhood and Adolescence 1969
as Malipieri
Cry Wolf 1968
as Delivery man
Witchfinder General 1968
as Master Loach
Lionheart 1968
as Dignett
Alice in Wonderland 1966
as White Rabbit
Where the Bullets Fly 1966
as Train Guard
Mano di velluto 1966
as Erwin McGowan
San Ferry Ann 1965
as Grandad
- The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest 1964
Actor
A Hard Day's Night 1964
as Grandfather
Go Kart Go 1964
as Junkman Fred
Crooks in Cloisters 1964
as Phineas
The Three Lives of Thomasina 1963
as Willie Bannock
The Small World of Sammy Lee 1963
as Harry
In Search of the Castaways 1962
as Bill Gaye
The Boys 1962
as Norman Albert Brewer
The Sinister Man 1961
as Lock-Keeper
What a Whopper 1961
as Postie
Flame in the Streets 1961
as Mr. Palmer senior
Urge to Kill 1960
as Mr. Forsythe
Serious Charge 1959
as Verger
Captured 1959
Actor
The Salvage Gang 1958
as Tramp
The Government Inspector 1958
as The Postmaster
Break-In 1956
Actor
Nineteen Eighty-Four 1954
as Old Man / Thin Prisoner
Another Shore 1948
as Arthur Moore
Odd Man Out 1947
as Standing Passenger on Tram (uncredited)
Credits from TMDB.