David Bradley is a renowned British actor, known for his versatility and wide range of memorable characters. He has played a variety of roles, including fools, kings, gardeners, fishermen, policemen, murderers, priests, madmen, undertakers, and rabbis, among many others.
Born in York, Bradley began his acting career at the age of 14, but it wasn't until a trip to the pictures to watch Laurence Olivier in Richard III that he became seriously drawn to the profession. He served a five-year apprenticeship with an optical instruments manufacturing firm before moving to London and joining the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Bradley made his professional debut in a RADA production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman in 1968. He went on to spend several seasons with the National Theatre Company and became an alumnus of the Royal Shakespeare Company. One of the highlights of his career was receiving a Laurence Olivier Award for his role as the fool in King Lear.
On screen, Bradley has appeared in a wide range of roles, including period dramas, musicals, and fantasy series. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in the Harry Potter films.
Bradley has also appeared in a number of notable TV series, including Broadchurch, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, and The Strain. He has been nominated for several awards for his performances, including a BAFTA TV Award and a Saturn Award.
In addition to his acting career, Bradley has been involved with several charitable organizations and has served as president of Second Thoughts, a local community theatre group in Stratford-upon-Avon. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Warwick and York St. John University.
Throughout his career, Bradley has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and genres, and has become a beloved figure in the British acting community.