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Tom Bell
Written by Paul Rance
Thursday, 9 November 2006

Tom Bell, one of Britain's finest (and most underrated) actors, died on October 4th after a short illness.

Born in Liverpool on August 2nd, 1933, Tom Bell, with his lugubrious features, was one of those instantly recognisable actors. Though best known for his television work, he first came to the public's attention after his appearance in the 1962 film, 'The L-Shaped Room'. He went on to receive a BAFTA nomination for the 1979 TV series 'Out' - for his brilliant performance as bank robber Frank Ross. A year earlier he had played top Nazi Adolf Eichmann in 'Holocaust'. In 1993, Bell received another BAFTA nomination - as Detective Sergeant Bill Otley in 'Prime Suspect'.

Though seemingly somewhat taciturn in nature, Tom Bell had a killer wit, none more so than when he pricked the pomposity of the usual awards balloon, when he shouted at a guest of a honour, "Tell us a funny story". The guest of honour was Prince Philip. Tom Bell is survived by two daughters and a son.

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