Bob Peck

The late British actor Bob Peck was known for portraying the Everyman, winning fame throughout England for his poignant characters. At the start of his career, Peck was given a boost of encouragement while at Leeds College of Art by the playwright Alan Ayckbourn, who helped land him several important roles. From there, he went on to join the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he performed for nine years alongside such future luminaries as Judi Dench and Ian McKellen. Stepping away from the stage, Peck landed on of his more memorable roles at the age of 40 in the BBC series "Edge of Darkness," in 1985. Peck played policeman Ronald Craven, the central character, who determinedly attempts to solve the brutal murder of his own daughter. The six-episode miniseries was very popular and earned Peck a BAFTA Award. The TV roles that followed were less substantial, though he did have a significant supporting role in Charles Dickens' "Hard Times" and played Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice." The actor also landed numerous film roles, including a turn as Robert Muldoon, the game warden in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster "Jurassic Park," a role which exposed the British performer to American audiences.