Colin Welland
Biography
Colin Welland was a British actor and writer born in Liverpool, England on July 4, 1934. He initially worked as an art teacher before moving into acting. Welland's first film appearance was in the 1969 film Kes, where he played the role of Mr Farthing, for which he won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for writing the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. Welland was a household name in the UK, playing the role of PC Graham in the long-running BBC police serial Z Cars. He wrote many other plays and films, including the BAFTA-winning Kisses.
Career overview
Colin Welland began his acting career with a notable role as Mr Farthing in the 1969 film Kes. This performance earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Welland's early career also involved television work, specifically playing the role of PC Graham in the BBC police serial Z Cars.
In addition to his acting work, Welland also pursued a career in writing. He is perhaps best known for his screenplay for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Welland's writing credits also include the BAFTA-winning play Kisses.
Colin Welland's acting credits span multiple films and television shows, with a total of 43 known credits. His early career as an art teacher and his transition into acting and writing demonstrate his versatility as a performer.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
49 titles- Trial & Retribution (1997) as Mallory
- The Fix (1997) as Harry Catterick
- Bramwell (1995) as Mr. Barclay
- War of the Buttons (1994) Writer
- Bambino Mio (1994) Writer
- Femme Fatale (1993) as Martin Harty
- For the Greater Good (1991) as Sir David Whites
- The Secret Life of Ian Fleming (1990) as Reuters editor
- Dancin' Thru the Dark (1990) as Manager
- The Return of the Green Man (1990) as Narrator
- Screen One (1989) Writer
- A Dry White Season (1989) Screenplay
- The Trial of Klaus Barbie (1987) as Klarsfeld
- Twice in a Lifetime (1985) Writer
- Chariots of Fire (1981) Writer
- United Kingdom (1981) as Chief Constable James McBride
- Cowboys (1980) as Geyser
- Yanks (1979) Story
- Yanks (1979) Screenplay
- After Dark (1979)
- Blue Remembered Hills (1979) as Willie
- Watch That Space (1978) as Self
- Cottage to Let (1977) as Albert Rodway
- Sweeney! (1977) as Frank Chadwick
- Machinegunner (1976) as Bone
- Your Man from Six Counties (1976) Writer
- The Sweeney (1975) as Tober
- The Wild West Show (1975) Writer
- A Passage to England (1975) as Onslow
- Leeds United! (1974)
- Leeds United! (1974) Writer
- Kisses at Fifty (1973) Writer
- Jack Point (1973) Writer
- Bank Holiday (1972) Writer
- Straw Dogs (1971) as Rev. Barney Hood
- The Ten Commandments (1971) Writer
- Villain (1971) as Tom Binney
- Play for Today (1970) as Willie
- Play for Today (1970) Writer
- Kes (1970) as Mr. Farthing
- Say Goodnight to Your Grandma (1970) as Tony
- Say Goodnight to Your Grandma (1970) Writer
- The Hallelujah Handshake (1970) Writer
- Roll On Four O'Clock (1970) as Lennie Brown
- Roll On Four O'Clock (1970) Writer
- ITV Saturday Night Theatre (1969) Writer
- Z-Cars (1962) as PC David Graham
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Tony
- Armchair Theatre (1956) Writer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Colin Welland best known for?
Colin Welland is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Big Momma's House 2 (2006), I'm Starting from Three (1981), Screen One (1989), Chariots of Fire (1981).
When and where was Colin Welland born?
Colin Welland was born on July 4, 1934 in Liverpool, England. They passed away on November 2, 2015.
How many credits does Colin Welland have?
Colin Welland has accumulated over 49 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 1997.
What is Colin Welland's background in cinema and television?
Colin Welland was a British actor and writer born in Liverpool, England on July 4, 1934. He initially worked as an art teacher before moving into acting. Welland's first film appearance was in the 1969 film Kes, where he played the role of Mr Farthing, for which he won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role....
Colin Welland by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Sweeney (1975) as Tober — aged about 40
- Cowboys (1980) as Geyser — aged about 45
- Kes (1970) as Mr. Farthing — aged about 35
- Z-Cars (1962) as PC David Graham — aged about 27
- Straw Dogs (1971) as Rev. Barney Hood — aged about 36
- Trial & Retribution (1997) as Mallory — aged about 62
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