Scofield, Paul (1922-2008), was a distinguished English actor known primarily for his stage performances in classic dramas. He gained his greatest recognition for his performance as Sir Thomas More in Robert Bolt’s historical drama A Man for All Seasons (1960). Scofield starred in the play in London and repeated his success as More on Broadway. Scofield played the role in the 1966 motion-picture adaptation, winning the Academy Award as best actor.
David Paul Scofield was born on Jan. 21, 1922, in Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex, England. He made his professional stage debut in 1940 and his motion-picture debut in 1954. He won praise for his performances in William Shakespeare’s King Lear and Hamlet. He also starred on stage in the historical drama Amadeus (1979). Scofield’s major films include The Train (1964), Henry V (1989), Quiz Show (1994), and The Crucible (1996). Scofield died on March 19, 2008.
