Tom Courtenay as Billy Fisher in “Billy Liar”

Making his professional debut with the Old Vic in 1960, Tom took over the title role in the stage production of “Billy Liar” from Albert Finney in 1961 and went on to star in the 1963 film version by John Schlesinger.

Courtenay won the award for Most Promising Newcomer at the 1962 BAFTAs following appearances in “Private Potter” with Fulton Mackay, and “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” with Michael Redgrave, James Bolam & John Thaw.

Tom was nominated for the Best Actor BAFTA for his performance in “Billy Liar” and went on to be nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in “Doctor Zhivago” with Julie Christie, Noel Willman & Alec Guinness, and Best Actor in “The Dresser”.

Other film credits include “King & Country” with Dirk Bogarde; “Operation Crossbow” with Trevor Howard, Richard Todd, Sylvia Syms, John Fraser & Philip Madoc; “The Night of the Generals” with John Gregson, Gordon Jackson & Harry Andrews; “The Day the Fish Came Out” with Colin Blakely; “A Dandy in Aspic” with Laurence Harvey, Barbara Murray & Richard O’Sullivan; “Otley” with Leonard Rossiter; “To Catch a Spy” with Patrick Mower; “The Dresser” with Albert Finney; “Last Orders” with Michael Caine, George Innes & David Hemmings; “Flood” with Moira Lister; “The Golden Compass” with Daniel Craig & Christopher Lee; “Quartet” with Maggie Smith & Michael Gambon; “Night Train to Lisbon” and “45 Years” with Charlotte Rampling; “Dad’s Army” with Bill Paterson; “The Queen’s Corgi” with Julie Walters; and “The Railway Children Return” with Jenny Agutter.

Just some of Tom’s many television credits include “A Rather English Marriage” with Joanna Lumley, for which Courtenay won the Best Actor BAFTA; “Little Dorrit”; “Unforgotten”; “The North Water”; “Mandy” with Diane Morgan; and “The Royle Family” Christmas special in 2008, with Caroline Aherne, where he was reunited with Helen Fraser to play Dave’s parents.