Patrick Wymark

Biography

Patrick Wymark, born Patrick Carl Cheeseman in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England, grew up in the nearby town of Grimsby, where he maintained a connection throughout his flourishing career. He pursued higher education at University College, London, before honing his craft at the Old Vic Theatre School. Wymark made his debut on stage in 1951 with a small role in Othello, and soon after, he embarked on a tour in South Africa. His career took a significant turn when he started directing productions for the drama department at Stanford University in California.

Wymark found his footing at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, showcasing his versatility through various classic roles. He portrayed notable characters such as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing and Stephano in The Tempest, alongside Marullus in Julius Caesar and Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream. His resume also featured the title character in Danton's Death and Ephihodov in The Cherry Orchard with the Royal Shakespeare Company. One of his standout performances was as Bosola in a 1960 production of The Duchess of Malfi.

In film, Wymark appeared in several notable titles, including Children of the Damned (1964), Operation Crossbow (1965), and Where Eagles Dare (1968). On television, he gained prominence as the cunning businessman John Wilder in the series The Plane Makers/The Power Game, a role that led to unexpected offers of directorships, despite Wymark's self-proclaimed ineptitude in business. Described by his wife as a “dreamy muddler,” he was far removed from the ruthless persona he portrayed on screen.