David Morris was an artist, lecturer and writer who, at the age of 79, began a successful fourth career as a professional actor.His television career began with an appearance in Jonathan Creek, continued with parts in commercials, the BBC2 series When I’m 64 and as the Welsh Postman in Little Britain. Two years ago, his career reached a zenith when he was cast as Grandfather George in the film of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
He celebrated his 80th birthday playing King Lear in a private performance in the barn of his Buckinghamshire home, explaining “Lear’s 80 and so am I, and it’s the only role in rep for an old man.”
Morris was born in Folkestone in 1924, and at the age of nine won a choral scholarship to Magdalen College School. He went on to become head chorister, head boy, rugby captain, editor of the school magazine and, to quote his headmaster “generally ran the show”. However, he considered his greatest achievement having used his power as head boy to rid the school of bullying.
Going up early to Magdalen College, Oxford, on a History Exhibition, he later changed to read English under the tutelage of C. S. Lewis. When his studies were interrupted by the Second World War, Morris turned down the chance to be ranked an honorary officer, opting instead to become a private.
After the War, he moved to Paris, attending the ?cole des Beaux Arts, then moved to Orleans and Arles to teach and paint. Back in London he organised the first exhibition for Artists for Peace. In 1957 he met his wife Olwen, a pianist, marrying her two months after their first dinner.
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He lectured in Oxford, London and Brighton and taught for nearly 20 years in RA schools, writing books including a biography and a work on the history of art and civilisation. Principally a portraitist, he also painted landscapes, and caught the attention of television casting agents through his regular Shakespearean productions in a theatre at the bottom of his garden.
He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
David Morris, painter, lecturer and actor, was born in Folkestone on September 11, 1924. He died on October 29 2007