Donald Pleasence

Possessed with an unassuming manner that offset his intensity, British actor Donald Pleasence accrued over 200 film and television roles in an impressive career that spanned more than four decades. Getting his start in the theaters of England and Scotland after World War II, he began making a name for himself with small roles in film and TV projects such as "1984" (1956) and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (ITV, 1955-1960). His first role in a major Hollywood blockbuster came as a part of the ensemble cast of director John Sturges' "The Great Escape" (1963). It was, however, his iconic portrayal of James Bond's evil nemesis, Blofeld, in "You Only Live Twice" (1967) that most affected the trajectory of Pleasence's future output. Considered mostly for the parts of villains or madmen, he frequently played the heavy in films like "Will Penny" (1968) and "The Eagle Has Landed" (1976). Although he did manage to play the hero in his most recognizable role as Dr. Loomis in director John Carpenter's "Halloween" (1978), it would, nonetheless, help solidify his growing reputation as a stock horror movie actor, resulting in appearances in "Dracula" (1979), "Phenomena" (1985) and "Prince of Darkness" (1987). Donald Pleasence would long be remembered for his always reliable performances in many of the most beloved films of the 20th century.