Actor. Born in Shelford, Cambridge, his father was a financial affairs manager of a college. While studying English at Trinity College, he took an interest in acting and performed in school stage productions as a member of the Oxford University Dramatic Society. During his service with the Royal Military, he acquired experience as a radio disc jockey while stationed in Hamburg, Germany. After surgery to correct a "lazy eye" condition, he went onto become a player with the Shakespeare Memorial Company. From there, he made an impressionable performance in the production of "A Resounding Tinkle" (1957 to 1958). Perhaps one of his most accomplished roles was his origination of the part of Peter in Shelagh Delaney's play "A Taste of Honey," for which led to his performances on London's West End and a run on Broadway from 1960 until 1961. He marked his film debut with a minor part in the Tony Richardson picture "Look Back in Anger" (1959) and went onto have more roles of substance in "A High Wind in Jamaica" (1965), "A Man for All Seasons" (1966, as the Duke of Norfolk), "Dan Curtis' Dracula" (1974, as Doctor Van Helsing) and "Chariots of Fire" (1981). He appeared opposite Vanessa Redgrave as Lord Bothwell in "Mary, Queen of Scots" (1971). Additionally, he had an extensive career on British TV with credits on such programs as "The Adventures of Robin Hood," "The Saint" and "The Avengers." He had a recurring role as Sir Edward Frere in the TV series "Howard's Way" (1987 to 1990). During the 1980s, Davenport returned to the stage as the title role in a touring production of "King Lear."
Actor. Born in Shelford, Cambridge, his father was a financial affairs manager of a college. While studying English at Trinity College, he took an interest in acting and performed in school stage productions as a member of the Oxford University Dramatic Society. During his service with the Royal Military, he acquired experience as a radio disc jockey while stationed in Hamburg, Germany. After surgery to correct a "lazy eye" condition, he went onto become a player with the Shakespeare Memorial Company. From there, he made an impressionable performance in the production of "A Resounding Tinkle" (1957 to 1958). Perhaps one of his most accomplished roles was his origination of the part of Peter in Shelagh Delaney's play "A Taste of Honey," for which led to his performances on London's West End and a run on Broadway from 1960 until 1961. He marked his film debut with a minor part in the Tony Richardson picture "Look Back in Anger" (1959) and went onto have more roles of substance in "A High Wind in Jamaica" (1965), "A Man for All Seasons" (1966, as the Duke of Norfolk), "Dan Curtis' Dracula" (1974, as Doctor Van Helsing) and "Chariots of Fire" (1981). He appeared opposite Vanessa Redgrave as Lord Bothwell in "Mary, Queen of Scots" (1971). Additionally, he had an extensive career on British TV with credits on such programs as "The Adventures of Robin Hood," "The Saint" and "The Avengers." He had a recurring role as Sir Edward Frere in the TV series "Howard's Way" (1987 to 1990). During the 1980s, Davenport returned to the stage as the title role in a touring production of "King Lear."
Bio by: C.S.
Gravesite Details
Headstone in St Mary Churchyard, Temple Guiting, Gloucestershire
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