HALF A SIXPENCE Tony Award Nominee James Grout Dies at 84

British stage, film, television and radio star James Grout, nominated for a Tony Award for his performance as Harry Chitterlow in Half a Sixpence, has died, according to The Guardian. He was 84.

Grout played in the original West End production of Half a Sixpence in 1963, which moved to Broadway in 1965. In addition to his role in Half a Sixpence, Grout appeared as Boss Finley in Sweet Bird of Youth on the West End in 1985.

He made his debut as Valentine in Twelfth Night at the Old Vic in 1950, then went on to perform in The Mousetrap in 1960, followed by The Lily White Boys at the Royal Court, directed by Lindsay Anderson. In the '80s, Grout performed in George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman, alongside Maggie Smith in The Way of the World, as Henry Windscape in Gray's Quartermaine's Terms, and as Alderman Helliwell in JB Priestley's When We Are Married, among many more theatre credits.

Grout is perhaps best known for playing Chief Superindendent Strange in the series Inspector Morse. He also appeared in Yes Minister, as Olli Olliphant in John Mortimer's Rumpole of the Bailey, and Mr. McAllister in Alan Plater's The Beiderbecke Affair. Grout also played roles in many television features, including David Copperfield, Henry IV, and more.

On BBC Radio, he is known for taking part in the King Street Junior series, as well as Old Harry's Game. Grout also played Barliman Butterbur in the 1981 Radio 4 adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, as well as Rev. Timothy Corswell in The Secret Life of Rosewood Avenue and a role in Any Other Business.

More Articles by This Author...