Clive Swift

Acting

Clive Swift

Born February 9, 1936 · Liverpool, England, UK

Died February 1, 2019 · aged 82

Clive Swift was a British actor known to millions as Hyacinth Bucket's hen-pecked husband Richard in BBC One's 90s sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. Swift, who spent 10 years at the RSC before breaking into television, also acted in such series as Peak Practice, Born and Bred and The Old Guys.

Known For

ExcaliburExcalibur · 1981
Excalibur
7.01981
MovieAdventureFantasy
Arthur fulfills his fate by bringing together the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot and unifying the country. However, this flawed monarch faces greater tests ahead in pursuit of love, the Holy Grail, and his nation's survival.
101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure · 2003
101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure
6.02003
MovieFamilyAnimation
Being one of 101 takes its toll on Patch, who doesn't feel unique. When he's accidentally left behind on moving day, he meets his idol, Thunderbolt, who enlists him on a publicity campaign.
The National HealthThe National Health · 1973
The National Health
7.01973
MovieComedy
Peter Nichols adapted his own hit play to the screen, based on his experiences in hospitals. A riotous black comedy that's as timely today as ever, it contrasts the appalling conditions in a overcrowded London hospital with a soap opera playing on the televisions there. In an ingenious touch, the same actors appear in the "real" story as well as the "TV" one, thus blurring the distinctions even further. Jack Gould directs such outstanding British actors as Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, Eleanor Bron, Jim Dale, Donald Sinden, Mervyn Johns, and, in only his second film, Bob Hoskins. The renowned Carl Davis composed the score.
Death LineDeath Line · 1972
Death Line
5.81972
MovieHorror
When a government official disappears in the London tunnels, after several reports of missing people in the same location, Scotland Yard start to take the matter seriously, along with a couple who stumble into a victim by accident.
A Passage to IndiaA Passage to India · 1984
A Passage to India
6.81984
MovieDramaAdventure
Cultural mistrust and false accusations doom a friendship in British colonial India between an Indian doctor, an Englishwoman engaged to marry a city magistrate, and an English educator.
FrenzyFrenzy · 1972
Frenzy
7.11972
MovieCrimeThriller
London is terrorized by a vicious sex killer known as The Necktie Murderer. Following the brutal slaying of his ex-wife, down-on-his-luck Richard Blaney is suspected by the police of being the killer. He goes on the run, determined to prove his innocence.
The ExorcismThe Exorcism · 1972
The Exorcism
10.01972
MovieDramaMystery
Four friends gather for Christmas dinner at an old cottage. Suddenly, there's a power failure and the phone goes dead. Then their wine turns to blood and the turkey makes them violently ill. Then things really get strange!
Doctor Who: Voyage of the DamnedDoctor Who: Voyage of the Damned · 2007
Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned
7.62007
MovieScience FictionTV Movie
When disaster hits the Titanic, the Doctor uncovers a threat to the whole human race. Battling alongside aliens, saboteurs, robot Angels and a new friend called Astrid, can he stop the Christmas inferno?

Movies

ExcaliburExcalibur · 1981
Excalibur
7.01981
MovieAdventureFantasy
Arthur fulfills his fate by bringing together the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot and unifying the country. However, this flawed monarch faces greater tests ahead in pursuit of love, the Holy Grail, and his nation's survival.
101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure · 2003
101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure
6.02003
MovieFamilyAnimation
Being one of 101 takes its toll on Patch, who doesn't feel unique. When he's accidentally left behind on moving day, he meets his idol, Thunderbolt, who enlists him on a publicity campaign.
The National HealthThe National Health · 1973
The National Health
7.01973
MovieComedy
Peter Nichols adapted his own hit play to the screen, based on his experiences in hospitals. A riotous black comedy that's as timely today as ever, it contrasts the appalling conditions in a overcrowded London hospital with a soap opera playing on the televisions there. In an ingenious touch, the same actors appear in the "real" story as well as the "TV" one, thus blurring the distinctions even further. Jack Gould directs such outstanding British actors as Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, Eleanor Bron, Jim Dale, Donald Sinden, Mervyn Johns, and, in only his second film, Bob Hoskins. The renowned Carl Davis composed the score.
Death LineDeath Line · 1972
Death Line
5.81972
MovieHorror
When a government official disappears in the London tunnels, after several reports of missing people in the same location, Scotland Yard start to take the matter seriously, along with a couple who stumble into a victim by accident.
A Passage to IndiaA Passage to India · 1984
A Passage to India
6.81984
MovieDramaAdventure
Cultural mistrust and false accusations doom a friendship in British colonial India between an Indian doctor, an Englishwoman engaged to marry a city magistrate, and an English educator.
FrenzyFrenzy · 1972
Frenzy
7.11972
MovieCrimeThriller
London is terrorized by a vicious sex killer known as The Necktie Murderer. Following the brutal slaying of his ex-wife, down-on-his-luck Richard Blaney is suspected by the police of being the killer. He goes on the run, determined to prove his innocence.
The ExorcismThe Exorcism · 1972
The Exorcism
10.01972
MovieDramaMystery
Four friends gather for Christmas dinner at an old cottage. Suddenly, there's a power failure and the phone goes dead. Then their wine turns to blood and the turkey makes them violently ill. Then things really get strange!
Doctor Who: Voyage of the DamnedDoctor Who: Voyage of the Damned · 2007
Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned
7.62007
MovieScience FictionTV Movie
When disaster hits the Titanic, the Doctor uncovers a threat to the whole human race. Battling alongside aliens, saboteurs, robot Angels and a new friend called Astrid, can he stop the Christmas inferno?
BelovedBeloved · 1976
Beloved
1976
Movie
When Henry James Prince is dismissed from his post as a curate, he decides to found his own religion, called the Abode of Love.
Home-MoviesHome-Movies · 1979
Home-Movies
1979
Movie
A 1979 production from BBC2 Playhouse by Denis Cannan
What Mad PursuitWhat Mad Pursuit · 1985
What Mad Pursuit
10.01985
MovieTV MovieDrama
If you were a famous English novelist doing a whistle stop tour of the United States to promote your books, wouldn't you welcome with open arms the chance of a quiet weekend away from it all in a remote corner of Long Island? Of course you would. Well, let what happened to Evan Lorrimer be an awful warning....
Martin Luther, HereticMartin Luther, Heretic · 1983
Martin Luther, Heretic
7.01983
MovieDrama
Martin Luther inspires a breakaway from the Roman Catholic church and is the founder of Protestantism.
Memed My HawkMemed My Hawk · 1984
Memed My Hawk
6.01984
MovieDrama
In 1920s Turkey, a young peasant is smitten with a beautiful young girl, who has been promised in marriage to the fat, dullard cousin of the province's powerful and corrupt governor. When an assassination attempt is made against the official, the young man flees his village and joins up with a group of outlaws fighting against the wealthy and powerful landowners who control the lives of the locals and make life miserable for them. The outlaws' successes prompt the governor to call in the Turkish army to capture or kill them.
Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeDr Jekyll and Mr Hyde · 1980
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
6.21980
MovieHorrorThriller
Adaptation of the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson
GoodbyeGoodbye · 1975
Goodbye
9.01975
MovieDramaTV Movie
"All I said was the gramophone's too loud." Tony and Zoe Lyle 's silly row starts like any other, but Tony finds that Zoe means it this time. She's walking out and he's got a week to save a marriage that he hasn't looked at in 18 years, and with it all the trappings of a good life in Maida Vale.
Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet · 1976
Romeo and Juliet
6.51976
MovieTV MovieDrama
Romeo falls in love with the beautiful young Juliet, but their warring families spell tragedy for the lovers.
Comedy Classic: Keeping Up AppearancesComedy Classic: Keeping Up Appearances · 2023
Comedy Classic: Keeping Up Appearances
7.32023
MovieComedyDocumentary
Keeping Up Appearances remains one of Britain's best loved series. Running for 5 years throughout the 90s, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the delightfully monstrous Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) as she attempted to climb the social ladder, only to be endlessly let down by her family. In this 90-minute celebration we feature the very best and most hilarious moments from the series, and cast, crew and celebrity fans pay tribute to the show and share backstage secrets. Featuring an exclusive interview with Dame Patricia Routledge, who shares her memories of the show, we learn how she came to be cast, how she developed the character, and what happened when the cameras stop rolling.
Beasts: The DummyBeasts: The Dummy · 1976
Beasts: The Dummy
4.31976
MovieHorrorTV Movie
A washed-up actor has a nervous breakdown and believes that he really is the movie monster that he has been hired to play. Created as an episode of Nigel Kneale’s “Beasts” horror anthology miniseries.
Doctor Who: Revelation of the DaleksDoctor Who: Revelation of the Daleks · 1985
Doctor Who: Revelation of the Daleks
8.71985
MovieDramaAction
At the Tranquil Repose mortuary, the Doctor and Peri uncover a sinister plot to create a new breed of Daleks under the supervision of the mysterious Great Healer.
Pack of LiesPack of Lies · 1987
Pack of Lies
6.81987
MovieThrillerTV Movie
A British couple are shocked out of their suburban malaise when British intelligence agent Stewart shows up at their door and wants to use their house for a stakeout. Stewart reveals that their neighbors are undercover Russian KGB spies, part of a Soviet espionage network.
Catch Us If You CanCatch Us If You Can · 1965
Catch Us If You Can
5.41965
MovieComedyMusic
Dinah is a famous model and actress who is getting tired of life in the limelight and wants to take a break. While shooting a commercial spot for meat, she meets Steve, a stuntman. Dinah and Steve hit it off and decide to head to an island to get away from it all, bringing along four of Steve's friends. Before long, Dinah is reported missing and everyone is looking for her, making their getaway anything but tranquil.
Cause CélèbreCause Célèbre · 1987
Cause Célèbre
5.61987
MovieDramaRomance
When the ailing husband of an adulterous wife is discovered bludgeoned to death and suspicions fall on the older woman's young lover, the newly widowed woman claims that it was she who was solely responsible for the death despite evidence that points to the contrary in this dramatic account of true-life 1935 trial that shocked all of England. Though notable evidence and strong suspicion suggests that the murder may have been of crime of passion perpetrated by the jealous lover only half her age, Alma Rattenbury (Helen Mirren) confesses to the murder of her husband and is soon brought to trial. Despite the fact that Alma is already being deemed guilty by the general public for her adulterous indiscretion alone, her lawyer, star attorney T.J. O'Connor (David Suchet), remains convinced that his client will eventually be cleared of all charges.
A Midsummer Night's DreamA Midsummer Night's Dream · 1968
A Midsummer Night's Dream
6.31968
MovieComedyFantasy
Peter Hall's film adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy, filmed in and around an English country house and starring actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Journey's EndJourney's End · 1988
Journey's End
8.01988
MovieDramaWar
A British Company in the WWI trenches await an inevitable German attack in this 1988 adaptation of R.C. Sherriff's play.

TV Shows

Midsomer MurdersMidsomer Murders · 1997
Midsomer Murders
7.51997
SeriesCrimeDrama
The peacefulness of the Midsomer community is shattered by violent crimes, suspects are placed under suspicion, and it is up to a veteran DCI and his young sergeant to calmly and diligently eliminate the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.
Doctor WhoDoctor Who · 1963
Doctor Who
7.91963
SeriesDrama
The adventures of The Doctor, a time-traveling humanoid alien known as a Time Lord. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-traveling spaceship. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Along with a succession of companions, The Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilizations, help ordinary people, and right many wrongs.
Play for TodayPlay for Today · 1970
Play for Today
6.61970
SeriesDrama
Play for Today is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stage plays and novels, were transmitted. The individual episodes were between fifty and a hundred minutes in duration.
HeartbeatHeartbeat · 1992
Heartbeat
7.21992
SeriesCrimeDrama
Set during the 1960s in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Aidensfield, this enduringly popular series interweaves crime and medical storylines.
PlayhousePlayhouse · 1974
Playhouse
7.01974
SeriesDrama
A one-hour anthology television series of one-off contemporary and classic dramas produced by the BBC.
HustleHustle · 2004
Hustle
7.72004
SeriesComedyCrime
A motley group of London con artists pull of a series of daring and intricate stings.
Peak PracticePeak Practice · 1993
Peak Practice
6.51993
SeriesDrama
Peak Practice is a British drama series about a GP surgery in Cardale — a small fictional town in the Derbyshire Peak District — and the doctors who worked there. It ran on ITV from 10 May 1993 to 30 January 2002 and was one of their most successful series at the time. It originally starred Kevin Whately as Dr Jack Kerruish, Amanda Burton as Dr Beth Glover and Simon Shepherd as Dr Will Preston, though the roster of doctors would change many times over the course of the series. Cardale was based on the Staffordshire village of Longnor for the final series, but was previously based in the Derbyshire village of Crich, although certain scenes were filmed at other nearby Derbyshire towns and villages, most notably Matlock, Belper and Ashover.
Tales of the UnexpectedTales of the Unexpected · 1979
Tales of the Unexpected
6.81979
SeriesDrama
A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.
Theatre 625Theatre 625 · 1964
Theatre 625
7.21964
SeriesDrama
Theatre 625 is a British television drama anthology series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC2 from 1964 to 1968. It was one of the first regular programmes in the line-up of the channel, and the title referred to its production and transmission being in the higher-definition 625-line format, which only BBC2 used at the time.
Inspector MorseInspector Morse · 1987
Inspector Morse
7.91987
SeriesCrimeDrama
Inspector Morse is a detective drama based on Colin Dexter's series of Chief Inspector Morse novels. The series starred John Thaw as Chief Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis, as well as a large cast of notable actors and actresses.
ITV Saturday Night TheatreITV Saturday Night Theatre · 1969
ITV Saturday Night Theatre
7.01969
Series
Anthology series of dramatic works.
The Wednesday PlayThe Wednesday Play · 1964
The Wednesday Play
5.21964
SeriesDrama
An anthology series of television plays which aired on BBC1 from October 1964 to May 1970. The plays were usually written for television, although adaptations from other sources also featured.
Thirty-Minute TheatreThirty-Minute Theatre · 1965
Thirty-Minute Theatre
4.21965
SeriesDrama
An anthology of short plays shown on BBC Television between 1965 and 1973, used in part at least as a training ground for new writers, on account of its short length, and which therefore attracted many writers who later became well known.
CuckooCuckoo · 2012
Cuckoo
6.72012
SeriesComedyDrama
Cuckoo is every parent's worst nightmare - a slacker full of outlandish, New Age ideas. Ken is the over-protective father of a girl who's impulsively married an American hippie on her gap year.
The Ray Bradbury TheaterThe Ray Bradbury Theater · 1985
The Ray Bradbury Theater
6.91985
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyDrama
A Canadian-produced fantastic anthology series scripted by famed science-fiction author Ray Bradbury. Many of the teleplays were based upon Bradbury's novels and short stories.
ScreenPlayScreenPlay · 1986
ScreenPlay
6.01986
SeriesDrama
Screenplay was a drama anthology television series, broadcast on BBC between 1986 and 1993. Numerous episodes were produced including one named "Boswell and Johnson's Tour of the Western Islands" starring Robbie Coltrane as English writer Samuel Johnson who in the autumn of 1773, visits the Hebrides off the north-west coast of Scotland. That episode was directed by John Byrne and co-starred John Sessions and Celia Imrie.
Keeping Up AppearancesKeeping Up Appearances · 1990
Keeping Up Appearances
7.71990
SeriesComedy
Hyacinth Bucket (whose name, she insists, is pronounced "Bouquet") is a suburban housewife in the West Midlands. She would be the first to tell you that she is a gracious hostess, a respected citizen, and a well-connected member of high society. If you don't believe that, just ask her best friend Elizabeth, held captive in Hyacinth's kitchen; or the postmen and neighbours who bristle at the sound of her voice; or Richard, her weary and compliant husband. In fact, Hyacinth's reputation could be as perfect as her new lounge set, if not for her senile father's love of running wild in the nip. Oh, and she would prefer it if her brother-in-law was a sharper dresser. And that her husband was more ambitious. And that her sisters were more presentable. And do take your shoes off before you come in the house, dear. Mind that you don't brush against the wallpaper.
BBC2 Play of the WeekBBC2 Play of the Week · 1977
BBC2 Play of the Week
7.01977
SeriesDramaComedy
An anthology of plays and novels adapted into feature length TV movies, broadcast on BBC2 from September 1977 to April 1979.
The ExpertThe Expert · 1968
The Expert
9.01968
SeriesDrama
The Expert is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1968 and 1976. The series starred Marius Goring as Dr. John Hardy, a pathologist working for the Home Office and was essentially a police procedural drama, with Hardy bringing his forensic knowledge to solve various cases. The Expert was created and produced by Gerard Glaister. The series was also one of the first BBC dramas to be made in colour, and throughout its four series had numerous high quality guest appearances by actors such as John Carson, Peter Copley, Rachel Kempson, Peter Vaughan, Clive Swift, Geoffrey Palmer, Peter Barkworth, Jean Marsh, Ray Brooks, George Sewell, Anthony Valentine, Bernard Lee, Lee Montague, Geoffrey Bayldon, Mike Pratt, Edward Fox, André Morell, Brian Blessed, Nigel Stock, Philip Madoc and Warren Clarke.
A Ghost Story for ChristmasA Ghost Story for Christmas · 1971
A Ghost Story for Christmas
7.41971
SeriesDrama
A strand of annual British short television adaptations of classic ghost stories, referencing the oral tradition of telling supernatural tales at Christmas. First broadcast on BBC One from 1971 to 1978, and revived in 2005 on BBC Four.
ClayhangerClayhanger · 1976
Clayhanger
6.01976
SeriesDrama
Clayhanger is a British television drama based on Arnold Bennett's novel series of the same name, published between 1910 and 1918, dramatised by Douglas Livingstone for ITV. Produced by Associated Television, the 26-episode programme is a coming-of-age story set in 19th century England. Edwin Clayhanger aspires to be an architect but is expected to join his father's printing business. His personal growth, eventual acceptance of the family business, and his romantic entanglement with Hilda Lessways are explored. Clayhanger was ITV's longest-ever drama at the time. While some found the pacing slow, it was nonetheless praised for its faithful adaptation, excellent acting, and atmospheric sets.
Born and BredBorn and Bred · 2002
Born and Bred
9.02002
SeriesDrama
In the 1950s at the fictional Lancashire village of Ormston, a father and son, both doctors, navigate the challenges of running a cottage hospital under the newly established National Health Service.
The FrightenersThe Frighteners · 1972
The Frighteners
8.51972
SeriesMysteryDrama
A horror anthology series, with each episode featuring a different eerie tale.
VillainsVillains · 1972
Villains
7.51972
SeriesCrimeDrama
Follows the linked fates of nine bank robbers, led by George. It begins with the nine men meeting in prison during their appeal and traces each individual after the group escape from custody.