Joss Ackland, the renowned British actor best known for his roles in films such as Lethal Weapon 2, Mighty Ducks, and White Mischief, has passed away at the age of 95. Ackland died peacefully of old age, surrounded by his family on a Sunday morning, as confirmed by his longtime representative and friend, Paul Pearson. Pearson described Ackland as lucid, erudite, and mischievous until the end, and stated, “I loved him deeply, and, for me, he is the reason we have the word Magnificent in the dictionary.”
A family statement obtained by BBC described Ackland as a beloved father and highlighted his distinctive voice and commanding presence, expressing that Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his roles, and will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.
In addition to his iconic roles in Lethal Weapon 2, Mighty Ducks, and White Mischief, Ackland was also known for his performances in The Hunt for Red October, Daisies in December, and Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, where he starred alongside esteemed actors such as Sean Connery, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and Emilio Estevez. Ackland also made appearances in television shows like Shadowlands, portraying C.S. Lewis, and Midsomer Murders.
Born on February 29, 1928, Sidney Edmond Jocelyn Ackland was the son of an Irish journalist and a maid. He studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama before joining the Old Vic. Ackland made his stage debut at 17 years old in The Hasty Hart.
Although he made his first credited film debut in 1952 in Ghost Ship, it took almost a decade for him to return to the big screen. In the meantime, he honed his craft in local theatrical companies, taking on roles such as Captain Hook in the musical version of Peter Pan in London’s West End and Juan Peron in Evita. Before his film career began to take off in the 1970s and ’80s, he also had memorable turns as Falstaff in William Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 and as Captain Shotover in George Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House.
Ackland married fellow actor Rosemary Kirkcaldy in August 1951. She passed away in July 2002. The couple had seven children, one of whom tragically passed away from a heroin overdose in 1982 at the age of 29. Ackland’s survivors include his six other children, 32 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Throughout his career, Ackland’s talent and commanding presence left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and his legacy will continue to live on through his timeless performances. He will be remembered as a highly respected and beloved actor who brought a unique intensity and depth to his roles, leaving a lasting impact on British cinema and beyond. His contributions to film and theater have solidified his place among the most talented and revered actors of his generation. Joss Ackland’s body of work will continue to be celebrated and cherished for years to come.