Michael Barrington

Michael Barrington (3 July 1924 – 5 June 1988) was a British actor best known for his television work. His best remembered role is as the ineffectual Governor Venables in the BBC sitcom Porridge which featured Ronnie Barker in the lead role.

This article is about the actor. For the historical novelist using this name, see Eva Tenison. For the science fiction writer, see Barrington J. Bayley.

Michael Barrington
Born
Michael Barrington

(1924-07-03)3 July 1924
Twickenham, England
Died5 June 1988(1988-06-05) (aged 63)
London, England
OccupationActor
Spouse
​
(m. 1956)​

Early life and career

Born in Twickenham,[1] both his parents died when he was 16. His plans to train as a veterinarian were interrupted by Second World War service in a munitions factory and the Royal Engineers. After the war he decided to become an actor and trained at the Birmingham School of Drama. He then appeared in repertory theatres and at the Vaudeville Theatre in Salad Days.[2]

Television appearances

In addition to Porridge Barrington also appeared in; Z-Cars, The Avengers, Private Schulz, Adam Adamant Lives!, and in the Doctor Who story The Seeds of Doom, as Sir Colin Thackeray.[3][4] He was cast as Sir Robert Peel in the 1975 English miniseries Edward the Seventh. (In the USA this miniseries was renamed Edward the King.)[5]

Personal life and death

He was married to actress Barbara New until his death from a heart attack on 5 June 1988, aged 63 in London, following many years of ill health due to lung disease.[2] He was buried in the East London Cemetery and Crematorium.

Selected filmography

References
  1. "Michael Barrington". The Times. No. 63103. 9 June 1988. p. 16.
  2. Richard Webster; Dick Clement; Ian la Frenais (2001). Porridge The Inside Story. Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0-7472-3294-6.
  3. "Michael Barrington". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017.
  4. "Michael Barrington". aveleyman.com.
  5. "Michael Barrington". IMDb.


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