Michael Gough, the man known around the world as the most recognisable cinematic incarnation of Batman’s loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth during the 1980s and ‘90s, has died at the age of 94.
But beyond his time spent cocking a disapproving yet paternal eyebrow at the likes of Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney, Gough was an accomplished actor on the stage and screen.
Born in Malaysia in 1916, Gough launched his career on television, starring in BBC TV movie Androcles and the Lion. He then made the leap to the big screen with two films, both in 1948 – Anna Karenina and Blanche Fury.
His time on screen saw him tackle everything from Shakespeare plays (Richard III, Julius Caesar and more) to DH Lawrence adaptations (Women in Love) to epics such as Out of Africa. He also tapped his comedy side as Dr Paul Flammond in Top Secret!
But when Tim Burton tapped him in 1989 to portray Alfred Pennyworth, he discovered a level of fame he’d never known before. Burton would go on to cast him in several films, including Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride and Alice in Wonderland.
On the stage, Gough won a Tony award in 1979 for Bedroom Farce and was nominated again in 1988 for Breaking the Code. Doctor Who fans, meanwhile, know him as the Celestial Toymaker who caused trouble for William Hartnell. He also appeared as Councillor Hedin in Arc of Infinity during Peter Davison’s run as the fifth Doctor. But his connection to the show didn’t end there, as he was married for a time to Anneke Wills, who played Polly on the show.
He’s stayed working steadily, and his voice can be heard in the new Superman animated DVD release All-Star Superman. He’ll be missed.