Michael Jayston
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- October 29, 1935 in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
- Died
- February 5, 2024
- Active Years
- 1956–2024 (69 Years)
- Total Credits
- 98 credits in database
Biography
Michael Jayston is an English actor born on 29 October 1935. He has appeared in various film and television productions, including the 1971 film Nicholas and Alexandra, where he played a significant role. Jayston has also made numerous television appearances, including a notable role as the Valeyard in a 1986 Doctor Who serial, and a guest appearance in the 1996 episode "Time on Our Hands" of the television series Only Fools and Horses. His filmography includes a range of productions, including Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Foylova válka.
Career overview
Michael Jayston is a British actor known for his work in film and television. He began his career in the early 1970s, gaining recognition for his portrayal of a historical figure in the film Nicholas and Alexandra. Jayston has also appeared in numerous television productions, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
One notable role in Jayston's television career is his portrayal of the Valeyard in the Doctor Who serial The Trial of a Time Lord. This serial consists of fourteen episodes, in which Jayston played the character. Additionally, Jayston made an appearance in the Only Fools and Horses episode "Time on Our Hands," where he played the role of Raquel's father, James. His performances in these productions demonstrate his ability to adapt to various roles and genres.
Throughout his career, Jayston has appeared in a range of films and television shows, including Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Foylova válka. His work in these productions highlights his experience and talent as a character actor.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
98 titles- Alec Guinness: A Class Act (2024) as self
- Remembers… (2022)
- Peter O'Toole: Along the Sky Road to Aqaba (2022) as Self
- From This Day Forward (2019) as Him
- The Doctors: The Colin Baker Years (2019)
- Doctor Who: Behind the Sofa (2018) as Self
- UFO From Earth to the Moon (2016) as Self
- Albert's Memorial (2009) as Albert
- The Making of The Trial of a Time Lord (2008)
- Murder in Suburbia (2004) as Bradley
- The Royal (2003) as Henry Appleton
- Finisterre (2003) as Narrator (Voice)
- Foyle's War (2002) as AC Henry Parkins
- A Dinner of Herbs (2000) as Justice Craig
- Holby City (1999) as Judge
- Midsomer Murders (1997) as Reverend Arthur Gould
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1997) as Admiral Sellings
- First Kid (1996) Original Music Composer
- Element of Doubt (1996) as Kirk
- Outside Edge (1994) as Bob Willis
- Highlander III: The Sorcerer (1994) as Jack Donovan
- 99-1 (1994) as Chauncy
- Heartbeat (1992) as Michael Harvey
- Heartbeat (1992) as Gerald Hudson
- The Darling Buds of May (1991) as Ernest Bristow
- Cluedo (1990) as Colonel Mustard
- Haggard (1990)
- Press Gang (1989) as Colonel X
- Stay Lucky (1989) as Valentine
- A Bit of a Do (1989)
- Somewhere to Run (1989) as Roger Fitzpatrick
- The Ruth Rendell Mysteries (1987) as Quentin Nightingale
- Still Crazy Like a Fox (1987) as Randall Perry
- Casualty (1986) as Ian
- Casualty (1986) as David Northwick
- Worlds Beyond (1986) as Drayton Thomas
- Doctor Who: Mindwarp (1986) as The Valeyard
- Doctor Who: Terror of the Vervoids (1986) as The Valeyard
- Doctor Who: The Ultimate Foe (1986) as The Valeyard
- Doctor Who: The Mysterious Planet (1986) as The Valeyard
- C.A.T.S. Eyes (1985)
- Time for Murder (1985) as Austin Tupp
- Sherlock Holmes (1984) as The Earl of Rufton
- Big Deal (1984) as Grover
- The Man Who Left His Soul on Film (1983)
- From a Far Country (1981) as Narrator (voice)
- Lady Killers (1980) as Frederick Henry Seddon
- Dominique (1980) as Arnold Craven
- Tales of the Unexpected (1979) as G.B. Shaw
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) as Peter Guillam
- Zulu Dawn (1979) as Col. Crealock
- Gossip from the Forest (1979) as Alfred Maiberling
- She Fell Among Thieves (1978) as Mansel
- The Last Romantic (1978) as James
- BBC2 Play of the Week (1977) as Mansel
- Quiller (1975) as Quiller
- King Lear (1975) as Edmund
- Churchill's People (1974) as Henry, Bishop of Norwich
- The Internecine Project (1974) as David Baker
- Craze (1974) as Detective Sgt. Wall
- A Coffin for the Bride (1974) as Mark Walker
- The Importance of Being Earnest (1974) as Jack Worthing
- Thriller (1973) as Roger Masters
- Thriller (1973) as Mark Walker
- Jane Eyre (1973) as Mr Rochester
- The Merchant of Venice (1973) as Gratiano
- Tales That Witness Madness (1973) as Brian (segment "Mel")
- The Homecoming (1973) as Teddy
- Bequest to the Nation (1973) as Capt. Hardy
- Ring Once for Death (1973) as Roger Masters
- Crown Court (1972) as Keith Saunders QC
- The Edwardians (1972) as Frederick Henry Royce
- Follow Me! (1972) as Charles
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1972) as Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson)
- Film '72 (1971) as Self
- Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) as Nicholas
- Green Julia (1971) as Jake
- Competition (1971) as Jimmy
- UFO (1970) as Russell Stone
- Solo (1970)
- Macbeth (1970) as Macbeth
- Cromwell (1970) as Henry Ireton
- Biography (1970) as Ludwig van Beethoven
- Mad Jack (1970)
- The Hero of My Life (1970) as Charles Dickens
- ITV Saturday Night Theatre (1969) as Jake
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (1968) as Demetrius
- ITV Playhouse (1967) as Gerry Hackett
- Callan (1967)
- BBC Play of the Month (1965) as John 'Jack' Worthing
- BBC Play of the Month (1965) as Edmund
- The Power Game (1965) as Lincoln Dowling
- Love's Labour's Lost (1965) as Longaville
- The Wednesday Play (1964) as Siegfried Sassoon
- Detective (1964)
- Doctor Who (1963) as The Valeyard
- Coronation Street (1960) as Judge
- Armchair Theatre (1956) as Jimmy
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Michael Jayston best known for?
Michael Jayston is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Remembers… (2022), Mr. Holland's Opus (1995), The Erotic Rites of Frankenstein (1973), A Dinner of Herbs (2000).
When and where was Michael Jayston born?
Michael Jayston was born on October 29, 1935 in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK. They passed away on February 5, 2024.
How many credits does Michael Jayston have?
Michael Jayston has accumulated over 98 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2024.
What is Michael Jayston's background in cinema and television?
Michael Jayston is an English actor born on 29 October 1935. He has appeared in various film and television productions, including the 1971 film Nicholas and Alexandra, where he played a significant role. Jayston has also made numerous television appearances, including a notable role as the Valeyard in a 1986 Doctor Wh...
Michael Jayston by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Sherlock Holmes (1984) as The Earl of Rufton — aged about 48
- Foyle's War (2002) as AC Henry Parkins — aged about 66
- The Darling Buds of May (1991) as Ernest Bristow — aged about 55
- Doctor Who (1963) as The Valeyard — aged about 27
- UFO (1970) as Russell Stone — aged about 34
- Outside Edge (1994) as Bob Willis — aged about 58
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