Paul Shelley, a distinguished English character actor, who has honed his craft through classical training, was born Paul Matthews in the vibrant city of Leeds, located in the picturesque county of Yorkshire. His early life was shaped by his parents, Henry Matthews, a shop steward who played a significant role in the community, and his wife Kathleen, who brought love and support to their family.
As one of three siblings, Paul grew up with a close-knit family, where his older brother, Francis Matthews, would later go on to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Francis is perhaps most famous for his work on television, where he brought iconic characters to life, including the legendary Captain Scarlet, and also played the role of the titular character in the popular series, Paul Temple.
Shelley's fascination with the art of acting initially took root during his university days, where it blossomed into a profound passion that would ultimately guide his future endeavors. Following his academic pursuits, he went on to graduate from the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in the year 1966. This milestone marked the beginning of a remarkably successful career on the stage, as Shelley went on to perform with a multitude of renowned repertory companies. Among his most notable engagements were stints with the Bristol Old Vic, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the National Theatre, where he had the opportunity to hone his craft and bring to life some of the most iconic characters in the theatrical canon.
Shelley's impressive repertoire of roles includes performances in Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Macbeth, among many other productions.
Notably, Shelley's creative endeavors extend beyond his impressive stage career, as he has also ventured into directing for the stage, showcasing his talents at esteemed establishments such as the Theatre Royal in York and the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
In addition to his stage direction, Shelley has also demonstrated his versatility by lending his voice to numerous audiobooks, garnering him three prestigious Audiophile Earphones Awards for his exceptional narration and reading skills.
Shelley embarked on a remarkable screen career in 1968, commencing with a BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless classic, Nicholas Nickleby, marking the beginning of his foray into the world of television.
Seven years later, in 1980, Shelley further solidified his presence on the small screen with a role in another iconic BBC production, A Tale of Two Cities, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shelley has demonstrated an impressive range by appearing in a diverse array of television shows, including the critically acclaimed Secret Army, The Fourth Arm, and Paradise Postponed, as well as the popular Midsomer Murders.
Moreover, Shelley has also made notable guest appearances in several esteemed series, including the cult classic Blake's 7, the beloved British sci-fi phenomenon Doctor Who, and numerous other programs, thereby further cementing his reputation as a talented and prolific actor.
Paula Stockbridge, a talented actress, has been the loving wife of renowned actor, actor's name, since 1999. Their serendipitous encounter took place during a stage production of the provocative play, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, where they crossed paths and embarked on a romantic journey.
As the story goes, the actor's sense of humor has revealed that their relationship blossomed over the snooker table, a humble setting that belies the grandeur of their love story.
