Actor Tom Courtenay studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts before making his theatrical debut in the Old Vic production of The Seagull in 1960; in 1961 he took over Albert Finney's role in Billy Liar, a part he would later play in the film version. In his first British film, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962), he made a big impression on audiences and critics alike. Courtenay went on to play numerous lead roles in American and British films, often as a misunderstood, underprivileged, nonconformist youth. He was nominated for a "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar for his work in Doctor Zhivago (1965) and for a "Best Actor" Oscar for The Dresser (1983). His screen career mysteriously came to a near-halt after 1971, but he continued to succeed as a stage actor, making his belated Broadway debut in 1977's Otherwise Engaged. He is married to stage actress Cheryl Kennedy.
Tom Courtenay
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- Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Hull in 1999.
- Recalled his university days in London and the letters he received from his mother in his 2000 memoir Dear Tom: Letters from Home.
- Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 in recognition of his stage and screen success.
- Named Charles Dickens as one of his favorite writers and has starred in several adaptations of his works, including the 1995 Disney TV movie The Old Curiosity Shop and the 2008 BBC series Little Dorrit.
- Longtime supporter of the English soccer club Hull City.