Sidney Edmond Jocelyn Ackland, known professionally as Joss Ackland, was an English actor who appeared in over 130 film and television roles. He was known for his distinctive voice and commanding presence, and he was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Jock Delves Broughton in White Mischief (1987).
Ackland was born in London in 1928 and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He made his stage debut in 1949 and went on to appear in a number of successful productions, including The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), The Merchant of Venice (1965), and The Cherry Orchard (1970).
Ackland began his film career in the late 1950s and quickly established himself as a versatile and reliable character actor. He appeared in a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas to thrillers. Some of his most notable films include:
Joss Ackland in Lethal Weapon 2 movie still
- Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
- The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- Shadows and Mist (1992)
- The Remains of the Day (1993)
- Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Ackland also appeared in a number of popular television series, including:
Joss Ackland in Midsomer Murders movie still
- The Darling Buds of May (1991–1993)
- Midsomer Murders (1997–2005)
- Judge John Deed (2001–2007)
Ackland was a highly respected actor who was admired by his peers for his talent and professionalism. He was a recipient of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in 1976 for his performance in The Cherry Orchard, and he was also made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1997.
Ackland died in 2023 at the age of 95. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and five children.
