Handsome British leading man Simon MacCorkindale (1952 – 2010) was for several decades a staple of TV on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the star of many films. In the mid-1980s he was in line to take over the role of James Bond from Roger Moore, and would have made a fantastic bridge between the tongue-in-cheek levity of Moore and the saturnine seriousness of Timothy Dalton, but sadly it was not to be. With his debonair manner, aristocratic features and fine head of blond hair, it’s easy to see why MacCorkindale was sized up for a tuxedo by the Bond producers. But even without 007, his list of credits are impressive.
Later in his career, MacCorkindale gained a significant following as Harry Harper in the long-running BBC TV medical drama ‘Casualty’. MacCorkindale was also a leading man on the stages of the West End, which culminated in playing the part of Georg Ludwig von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’.
MacCorkindale, who was married to fellow actor Susan George, approached every part with great professionalism and remained highly sought after. His death from cancer robbed the profession of a great talent, but he left behind a remarkable legacy that his fans can always enjoy.
Keeping alive his memory, we look back on some of our favourite Simon MacCorkindale roles.
‘Manimal’ (1983)
MacCorkindale played the lead role of Dr Jonathan Chase, a crime fighter with the extraordinary gift of being able to transmogrify into different animals, such as a hawk and a panther. Although the show had a short single season run, it gained a cult following and is remembered for its unique if limited premise.
‘Falcon Crest’ (1984-1986)
Although the show ran from 1981 to 1990, MacCorkindale had a recurring role in the popular American soap opera as Greg Reardon when it was at its peak. His character’s involvement in the rich and dramatic world of Falcon Crest contributed to the show’s success. He secured the part without an audition and was established enough to have the character rewritten as English.
‘Death on the Nile’ (1978)
In this adaptation of Agatha Christie’s best-loved novel, MacCorkindale played Simon Doyle. The film featured a star-studded cast. Peter Ustinov took on the mantle of the detective Hercule Poirot, appearing alongside Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Olivia Hussey, Angela Lansbury and Maggie Smith. The movie was well-received, and MacCorkindale’s breakout performance added to its appeal.
‘Jaws 3-D’ (1983)
The film may be a poor entry in the series of films that started with Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece in 1975. Nevertheless, MacCorkindale’s performance as the doomed Philip FitzRoyce is undoubtedly a highlight, and it was an opportunity for him to star in a high-profile and high budget film franchise.
‘The Riddle of the Sands’ (1979)
MacCorkindale played the lead role of Arthur Davies in a British adaptation of Erskine Childers’ spy novel about the events leading up to World War One. The film also featured leading British actors Jenny Agutter and Michael York and was filmed substantially at sea.
‘The Sword and the Sorcerer’ (1982)
In this fantasy adventure film, MacCorkindale played Prince Mikah. While the film was criticized for its low-budget effects, it gained a cult following among fans of the genre and is generally considered to be a family favourite. It was a box office hit, making incredible returns for an independent movie.
‘I, Claudius’ (1976)
While not a leading role, MacCorkindale had a notable guest appearance in the acclaimed historical drama series. His portrayal of the good-natured but doomed Lucius is certainly memorable. Generally regarded as one of the BBC’s finest dramatic achievements, the serial also starred Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Patrick Stewart, Sian Phillips and Patricia Quinn.
‘Quatermass’ (1979)
MacCorkindale played astronomer Joe Kapp in Nigel Kneale’s TV serial Quatermass (1979), starring alongside John Mills in a science-fiction classic. The scene in which MacCorkindale’s character comes to terms with a personal tragedy is especially powerful and haunting.
‘Jesus of Nazareth’ (1977)
Although MacCorkindale was only in one episode of Zeffirelli’s TV biblical epic, he nevertheless had a key role as the Roman soldier Lucius. As well as working with a leading international director, MacCorkindale was also associated with another landmark TV series. It featured a host of other leading actors from Olivia Hussey and Robert Powell to Laurence Olivier and Anne Bancroft.
‘Counterstrike’ (1990-93)
The early 1990s espionage series saw MacCorkindale team up with leading Canadian actor Christopher Plummer. A former Scotland Yard operative, MacCorkindale’s character heads into a more exciting life to solve international problems alongside Plummer’s wealthy industrialist. The excellent rapport between the two leading men gave ‘Counterstrike’ great appeal, and it ran for three seasons.
In a busy career, Simon MacCorkindale made impactful appearances in numerous long-standing and era-defining television series, including ‘Hammer House of Horror’ (in the episode ‘Visitor from the Grave’), ‘Dynasty’, ‘Fantasy Island’, ‘Hart to Hart’ and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’.
Remembered for his striking good looks and commanding physique, deep, theatrical voice and easy screen presence, he’s an actor I always enjoyed seeing in the wide variety of film and TV that he popped up in.
Today, MacCorkindale’s widow Susan George runs the charity Lasting Life: The Simon MacCorkindale Legacy. Through the associated shop ‘My Things and Others‘, you can give a donation or purchase exclusive items, some of which have been owned by the stars. All of the money goes towards supporting those living with the cruel disease of cancer. Take a look today and see if anything takes your fancy.
