Terrence Hardiman

Terrence Edward Hardiman (6 April 1937 – 18 April 2023) was an English actor. He often portrayed authority figures such as Nazi-era personnel (Secret Army, Colditz, Wish Me Luck and Enemy at the Door) and a British officer (When the Boat Comes In). His other roles include: a police inspector (Prime Suspect, Juliet Bravo and Softly, Softly); a doctor (Home to Roost and The Royal); a barrister (Crown Court and The Brittas Empire); a judge (The Bill and The Courtroom); a twelfth-century abbot (Cadfael); and an evil headmaster in The Demon Headmaster. He also played prime minister Ramsay MacDonald, in Richard Attenborough's Gandhi. Early life and education Terrence Hardiman was born on 6 April 1937 in Forest Gate, Essex, now in Newham, London. His father was a policeman. Hardiman was educated at Buckhurst Hill County High School, Essex and later studied at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge (then known as Fitzwilliam House), where he read English. Stage career At Cambridge, Hardiman acted extensively for The Marlowe Society and the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club, in both dramatic and comedic roles, alongside many of his future screen co-stars such as Derek Jacobi. Hardiman then toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company in several principal roles, including as Starveling in Peter Brook's landmark 1970 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.