Derek Jacobi
Birth Place: London, ENGLAND
Review: BLACK COMEDY, Orange Tree Theatre (May 28, 2026)
SIX, HEATHERS, and More Set For Darlington Hippodrome Summer 2026 Season Lineup (May 27, 2026)
Review: TWO HALVES OF GUINNESS, Park Theatre (Apr 26, 2026)
BIO
Derek Jacobi began his professional stage career as a founding member of the National Theatre, appearing in Hamlet (1963) and Othello (stage production and 1965 film). He also appeared in Three Sisters (1970) and originated a role in Black Comedy (1965). After leaving the National Theatre in 1971, he worked in television, including Man of Straw (1972) and The Pallisers (1974), while continuing stage work with the Prospect Theatre Company. His breakthrough came with the lead role in I, Claudius (1976). He also appeared in Richard II (1978) and toured internationally in Hamlet (1979).
In the 1980s, Jacobi joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and made his Broadway debut in The Suicide (1980). He won a Tony Award for Much Ado About Nothing (1984–1985) and appeared in productions including The Tempest, Peer Gynt, and Cyrano de Bergerac. He starred in Breaking the Code (1986) and performed Richard II and Richard III in repertory (1988). His screen work during this period included Inside the Third Reich (1982), The Secret of NIMH (voice role), Little Dorrit, and Henry V.
In the 1990s, Jacobi continued stage work in productions such as Kean, Becket, and Macbeth, and served as artistic director of Chichester Festival Theatre (1995–1998). He starred in the television series Cadfael (1994–1998) and appeared in films including Dead Again, Hamlet, and Love Is the Devil. He also appeared in Gladiator.
From the 2000s onward, Jacobi continued work across film, television, and stage. He appeared in Frasier (2001), winning a Primetime Emmy Award, and in productions such as The Hollow Crown (2002). He performed in Doctor Who (2007) and appeared in films including Nanny McPhee and Underworld: Evolution. He starred in The Long Firm (2004) and Pinochet in Suburbia (2006), and returned to the stage in A Voyage Round My Father (2006) and Twelfth Night (2009), winning a Laurence Olivier Award.
Jacobi later appeared in Last Tango in Halifax (2012–2014) and Vicious (2013–2016). He reprised roles in Doctor Who audio productions (from 2017) and appeared in Les Misérables (2018) and Allelujah.
Photos
pamelaraithphotography.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
,richardmadden(romeo)andjackcolgravehirst(benvolio).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
andderekjacobi(mercutio).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
-kennethbranagh,derekjacobi(mercutio)creditjohanpersson03689.jpg.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
-jackcolgravehirst(benvolio),derekjacobi(mercutio)creditjohanpersson03553.jpg.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
SIR MICHAEL GAMBON as Hirst and SIR DEREK JACOBI as Spooner in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land (first performed at the NT in 1975 with Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson)
From: Photo Coverage: NT50 - The National Theatre's Birthday Celebrations, With Dench, Mirren, And More!
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1968 ] Paul
[ 1970 ] Andrei
[ 1973 ] Caron
[ 1974 ] Gregory
[ 1974 ] Klaus Wenzer
[ 1978 ] Moulton - John's Publisher
[ 1979 ] Arthur Davis
[ 1980 ] Martin Beck
[ 1981 ] Daberlohn
[ 1982 ] Nicodemus
[ 1987 ] Arthur Clennam
[ 1989 ] Chorus
[ 1990 ] Mr. Frederick, Sir John
[ 1991 ] Franklyn Madson
[ 1996 ] Claudius
[ 1998 ] Father Frederick
[ 1998 ] Francis Bacon
[ 1999 ] Father Leonor Fousnel
[ 2000 ] Gracchus
[ 2000 ] Lucky Leadbetter
[ 2001 ] Father Lavelle
[ 2001 ] Librarian
[ 2001 ] Narrator
[ 2001 ] Probert
[ 2001 ] Theseus
[ 2002 ] Duke
[ 2002 ] Major Merton
[ 2004 ] Nezo
[ 2004 ] Victor
[ 2005 ] Lord Dempsey
[ 2005 ] Mr Wheen
[ 2006 ] Corvinus Sir Derek Jacobi
[ 2007 ] Balzer
[ 2007 ] Guido, Commander
[ 2007 ] Magisterial Emissary
[ 2008 ] Dr. Nathan Gross
[ 2008 ] Nigel Dewberry
[ 2009 ] Quentin Neely
[ 2009 ] Rudolph Agnew
[ 2010 ] Archbishop Cosmo Lang
[ 2010 ] Derek Jacobi
[ 2011 ] Baron Reginald de Cornhill
[ 2011 ] Honorio Soto
[ 2011 ] King Lear
[ 2011 ] Prologue
[ 2011 ] Sir Owen Morshead
[ 2012 ] Sulla
[ 2014 ] Count Fernando D Aillieres Sir Derek Jacobi
[ 2014 ] Travers Twiss
[ 2015 ] King
[ 2016 ] Léo Gursky
[ 2016 ] Lord Fortnum
[ 2016 ] Mercutio
[ 2017 ] Edward Henry Mterman
[ 2017 ] Ross
[ 2018 ] Mr. Yaffe
[ 2019 ] Claudius
[ 2019 ] Lord Palmerston
[ 2019 ] Professor Wright
[ 2020 ] Dr. Hobson
[ 2020 ] Father Enoch
[ 2020 ] Mr Brown
[ 2021 ] David
[ 2021 ] Narrator
[ 2022 ] Ambrose
[ 2024 ] Gracchus
[ 2024 ] Gracchus
[ 2025 ] Friar Lawrence
[ 2025 ]
[ 2025 ]
[ 2025 ] Lucian Freud
TV Shows
Metatron
Webster, Dennis Fulcher
Alan
Narrator, Lord Henry
Brother Cadfael
The Stranger, Drioli
Stuart Bixby
[ 2017-2024 ] The War Master
Rupert
Mr. Todd
The Master
Audio Book Narrator
[ 2017-2024 ] The War Master
Rupert
Mr. Todd
The Master
Audio Book Narrator
[ 2017-2026 ] The War Master (voice)
[ 2019-2026 ] Metatron
[ 2003-2027 ] The Master
Awards and Nominations
Derek JacobiKing Lear
winner
Derek JacobiTwelfth Night
Derek JacobiDon Carlos
winner
Derek Jacobi, Uncle Vanya
winner
Derek Jacobi, Uncle Vanya
winner
Derek JacobiBreaking The Code
Derek Jacobi, Breaking the Code
Derek Jacobi, Breaking the Code
Derek JacobiBreaking The Code
Derek Jacobi, Cyrano de Bergerac
Derek Jacobi, Much Ado About Nothing
winner
Derek Jacobi, Much Ado About Nothing
winner
Derek JacobiCyrano De Bergerac
Derek Jacobi, The Suicide
Derek JacobiIvanov
Derek JacobiHamlet
Videos
Video: JULIET & ROMEO Star Jamie Ward Teases 'Insane' Pop Music in New Film
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-14 15:55:03
Exclusive: Rebel Wilson Shares Personal Connections to JULIET & ROMEO Role
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-09 14:08:31
Exclusive: Jamie Ward Explains How the Music of JULIET & ROMEO Transforms a Familiar Tale
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-09 12:21:04
Video: Rebel Wilson Teases JULIET & ROMEO Pop Musical on LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-08 12:43:44
Video: Paul Mescal Sings in GLADIATOR II Musical Parody on SNL
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-12-08 10:04:50
VIDEO: Watch the Official Trailer For the Digital Production of WHAT A CARVE UP!
by Stephi Wild - 2020-10-26 09:33:02
VIDEO: Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins Star in the Second Trailer for TOLKIEN
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-03-06 10:01:17
VIDEO: Watch the New Trailer for Michael Grandage Company's RED
by Stephi Wild - 2018-02-16 08:26:04
VIDEO: Leslie Odom Jr, Josh Gad Star in Kenneth Branagh's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-09-21 09:56:27
STAGE TUBE: New Trailer & Teaser for Kenneth Branagh's ROMEO AND JULIET, Hitting U.S. Cinemas This Week
by Stage Tube - 2016-07-06 19:28:32
STAGE TUBE: NYC PRIDE PARADE Grand Marshals Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi Get the Confetti Flying Early!
by Stage Tube - 2015-06-26 17:54:20
STAGE TUBE: The Princes Express Jealousy of CINDERELLA in New 'Agony' Parody
by Sally Henry Fuller - 2015-03-21 10:39:40
VIDEO: First Look - Cate Blanchett & More in All-New CINDERELLA Trailer!
by Caryn Robbins - 2015-02-11 07:47:57
VIDEO: First Look - Teaser Trailer for Disney's CINDERELLA, Coming in 2015
by Caryn Robbins - 2014-11-18 08:57:47
News
by Franco Milazzo - May 28, 2026
There is exactly one joke in Peter Shaffer's 1965 farce: when the lights come on, the characters are in the dark. Everything else — the borrowed furniture, the hapless sculptor, the stern colonel, the ex-girlfriend arriving at the worst possible moment — is just escalation.
by Stephi Wild - May 27, 2026
Darlington Hippodrome announced its upcoming summer season brochure, featuring theatre, live entertainment, family shows, and star appearances at the North East venue.
by Gary Naylor - Apr 26, 2026
Zeb Soanes captures the voice perfectly to give us the life and times of a huge figure in 20th century acting on stage and screen
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, announced that casting is complete for the New York premiere of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, which officially kicks off the company’s 49th season.
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 11, 2026
What did our critic think of BREAKING THE CODE at Central Square Theater?
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026
All new photos have been released from Acting for Others 10th year anniversary of One Night Only at the newly opened and refurbished Simpson's on the Strand on Sunday 22nd March. Check out the photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2026
Acting for Others has announced the return of its much-loved fundraising event, One Night Only, to the newly reopened Simpson’s on the Strand. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the special one-night-only celebration.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 6, 2026
Dame Siân Phillips and Alex Jennings will bring ancient Greek stories to life at Haverhill Arts Centre on March 28. Directed by David Stuttard, the performance explores themes of love, betrayal, and wisdom through classical literature.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
Renowned director Sir Trevor Nunn returns to Arts Theatre Cambridge to direct EASY VIRTUE, featuring Alice Orr-Ewing, Michael Praed, and Greta Scacchi.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2025
Greenwich Theatre has announced its Spring Summer 2026 season featuring the UK premiere of Neil LaBute's America The Beautiful, a vivid new Romeo and Juliet, The Little Mermaid and the 2026 Greenwich Theatre Pantomime
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025
Greenwich Theatre will unveil an expansive Spring/Summer 2026 season featuring four in-house productions, new writing initiatives, and performances from visiting companies.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025
Greenwich Theatre has unveiled its Spring Summer 2026 season featuring the UK premiere of Neil LaBute's America The Beautiful, The Little Mermaid, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2025
With just two weeks to curtain up, final touches are being made to the beautifully reimagined auditorium, and anticipation is building across the city for the return of one of Cambridge's most cherished cultural landmarks.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2025
The Olivier Award-winning Oedipus, an adaptation created and directed by Robert Icke, will begin performances on Broadway on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Meet the cast of Oedipus here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025
bergenPAC will present three new shows for this season, Tyrese, Rick Wakeman, and Grand Kyiv Ballet now on Sale at BergenPAC. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2025
A film adaptation is in the works of Frank and Percy, starring Ian McKellen and Roger Allam. Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has picked up world sales rights for the film, which starts production this month.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025
The Delaunay, in partnership with the Royal Theatrical Fund, will host an exclusive evening with acclaimed actor Russell Tovey, as part of its ‘The Delaunay Presents, An Evening With…’ series.
by Kat Mokrynski - Aug 12, 2025
We had the chance to speak with Leonard about taking on the role of Pierre Peters. We discussed how he first got started in the world of theatre, what it’s like to perform in a new piece of theatre versus a revival of a classic work and what he thinks audiences will be talking about on the way home after the show.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 8, 2025
British theatre icons Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and Sir Derek Jacobi have joined forces in a new campaign film championing the ambitious redevelopment of The Arts Theatre Cambridge, one of the region’s most historic and influential cultural venues.
by June August - Jul 14, 2025
Have you ever left a theater wishing the performer you just enjoyed could be your friend? That’s how I felt after hearing Susan Edwards Martin sing at CV Rep’s Cabaret Series. Susan has the knack of embracing you with her voice and making a place for you in the living room of her heart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Derek Jacobi has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.
Derek Jacobi has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
Derek Jacobi's first West End show was Romeo and Juliet which opened in 2016
Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for King Lear, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Twelfth Night, Best Actor (Olivier Awards) for Don Carlos, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Uncle Vanya , Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Breaking The Code, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Breaking the Code, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Breaking the Code, Actor of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Breaking The Code, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Cyrano de Bergerac, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing, Actor of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cyrano De Bergerac, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Suicide, Actor of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for Ivanov and Actor of the Year in a Revival (Olivier Awards) for Hamlet.
Derek Jacobi has won several prestigious awards, including: Best Actor at the Olivier Awards for Twelfth Night; Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Uncle Vanya; Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, also for Uncle Vanya; Outstanding Lead Actor in a Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Breaking the Code; Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Much Ado About Nothing; and Actor of the Year in a Revival at the Olivier Awards for Cyrano De Bergerac.
Videos
