Colin McCormack was born on December 2, 1941, in the vibrant city of Cardiff, Wales, to a father who worked tirelessly for the railway. He began his academic journey at King's College in Cardiff, where he laid the foundation for his future pursuits. McCormack's passion for the arts led him to enroll at the prestigious Cardiff Art College, where he honed his skills before embarking on a comprehensive training program at the renowned Central School of Speech and Drama in London. It was during his time at the Central School that he met his future wife, the talented actress Wendy Allnutt.
As a professional, McCormack's career was marked by his association with the esteemed Bristol Old Vic, where he began his journey in the world of theatre. He went on to perform in numerous productions across Britain, including those at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC),with which he was closely tied from 1967 to 2004. McCormack's impressive repertoire at the RSC spanned a wide range of productions, from Peter Hall's 1967 staging of "Macbeth" to Edward Hall's adaptation of "Julius Caesar." He was also a stalwart of the Royal Court, where he showcased his remarkable talent in more contemporary plays. His peers and colleagues alike admired his commanding stage presence and crystal-clear delivery.
In addition to his work in the theatre, McCormack was a highly respected tutor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His students, which included the likes of Ewan McGregor, Alistair McGowan, Damian Lewis, Joseph Fiennes, and Daniel Craig, among many others, benefited greatly from his expertise and guidance.
McCormack's television career, which began in 1971 with his appearance in the popular TV series "Trial," spanned several decades and included notable roles in "Martin Chuzzlewit" (1994),"Inspector Morse" (1987),and other prominent TV series. Tragically, he lost his battle with cancer on June 19, 2004, in Middlesex, England, leaving behind his beloved wife, Wendy Allnutt, and their two children, Katherine McCormack Wherry and Andrew McCormack.
