Donald Pleasence

Birth Name:

Donald Henry Pleasence

Birth Place:

Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack, Director, Writer

Recognized with O․B․E․ qualifications by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 for his contributions to drama
Passed away at age 75 following surgical complications during a heart valve replacement operation
Served as a prisoner-of-war under Nazi control during WWII after his plane was shot down in 1944 before being released following the end of the war
Quote: "I treat all film roles one way: very seriously․․․I'm a professional actor who has no particular approach to acting․ I get the part, I read the script․ If I decide to do it, I learn the lines․ People expecting a longwinded explanation on my approach will be disappointed․ I have no theory about acting․ There is no method, there is no way․ I just do it․"
Returned to stage work in London following WWII before eventually making his American screen debut in an episode of "The Twilight Zone" in 1962
While not acting, he often lent his writing expertise to children's books and later recorded voiceover stories for children
Once offended "The Great Escape" director John Sturges by giving his input into the film's plot points, until Sturges learned that Pleasence had actually been a WWII P․O․W․ and graciously began asking for technical advice thereafter
Was only paid $20,000 for his role in the first "Halloween" film

1978Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Special:Nominated
1980Saturn Award - Best Supporting Actor:Nominated
1982Saturn Award - Best Actor:Nominated
1987AFI Award - Best Actor in a Supporting Role:Nominated

Fast Facts