Michael Gough

Born:November 23, 1916

Place of Birth:Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Died:March 17, 2011

Known For:Acting

Biography

Michael Gough, born Francis Michael Gough in 1916, was a distinguished English character actor whose career spanned over six decades. With an impressive repertoire of over 150 film and television appearances, Gough left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His talent and versatility shone through in each role he undertook, captivating audiences with his performances.

One of Gough's most notable contributions to cinema was his involvement in the iconic Hammer Horror Films, starting in 1958. His commanding presence and ability to embody a wide range of characters made him a standout in the genre. Gough's portrayal in these films solidified his reputation as a skilled and reliable actor, earning him a loyal following among fans of the horror genre.

However, it was his recurring role as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman film series directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher that truly elevated Gough to legendary status. His portrayal of the trusted butler to Bruce Wayne resonated with audiences worldwide, bringing depth and gravitas to the character. Gough's on-screen chemistry with the various actors who portrayed Batman cemented his place in cinematic history.

Beyond his work in horror and superhero films, Gough's talent transcended genres, allowing him to seamlessly transition between dramatic roles and comedic performances. His ability to infuse each character with authenticity and emotion set him apart as a consummate actor who could tackle any role with finesse.

Throughout his career, Gough collaborated with some of the industry's most esteemed directors and actors, leaving a lasting impact on each project he was a part of. His dedication to his craft and unwavering professionalism earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, solidifying his legacy as a true acting titan.

Off-screen, Gough was known for his humility and generosity, qualities that endeared him to all who had the pleasure of working with him. His kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on those around him, making him not just a talented actor, but also a beloved colleague and friend.

As news of Gough's passing in 2011 spread, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and critics alike, honoring his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment. His legacy lives on through his timeless performances, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Michael Gough's remarkable career serves as a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft. His impact on the film industry remains immeasurable, with his body of work standing as a testament to his enduring legacy. In the annals of cinematic history, Gough's name will forever be synonymous with excellence, artistry, and the magic of storytelling.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Alice in Wonderland

Uilleam / Dodo (voice)

2010

Alice, now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny.

Corpse Bride

Elder Gutknecht (voice)

2005

In a 19th-century European village, a young man about to be married is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious corpse bride, while his real bride waits bereft in the land of the living.

Batman

Alfred Pennyworth

1989

Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis when a deformed madman calling himself "The Joker" seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld.

Batman Returns

Alfred Pennyworth

1992

Batman must face The Penguin, a sewer-dwelling gangleader intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Meanwhile, another Gotham resident finds herself transformed into Catwoman and is out for revenge...

Batman Forever

Alfred Pennyworth

1995

In the looming shadows of Gotham City, two villainous souls devise twin schemes of revenge against the city's dark guardian. Two-Face, disfigured by chance and fueled by vengeance, is obsessed with destroying Batman, while the Riddler, a disillusioned genius, pursues the destruction of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Together they've hatched a plot to absorb and control the minds of all of Gotham City's residents, and only Batman and his new partner, Robin, can stop them! But the Dark Knight is hindered by a mystery from his own childhood. He must hope that a new found love can help him overcome the incident that made him what he is. In the end, he must decide: will he be Batman—forever?

Sleepy Hollow

Notary Hardenbrook

1999

Skeptical young detective Ichabod Crane gets transferred to the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow, New York, where he is tasked with investigating the decapitations of three people – murders the townsfolk attribute to a legendary specter, The Headless Horseman.

Batman & Robin

Alfred Pennyworth

1997

Batman and Robin deal with relationship issues while preventing Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from attacking Gotham City.

Top Secret!

Dr. Paul Flammond

1984

Popular and dashing American singer Nick Rivers travels to East Germany to perform in a music festival. When he loses his heart to the gorgeous Hillary Flammond, he finds himself caught up in an underground resistance movement. Rivers joins forces with Agent Cedric and Flammond to attempt the rescue of her father, Dr. Paul, from the Germans, who have captured the scientist in hopes of coercing him into building a new naval mine.

Out of Africa

Lord Delamere

1985

Tells the life story of Danish author Karen Blixen, who at the beginning of the 20th century moved to Africa to build a new life for herself. The film is based on her 1937 autobiographical novel.

The Age of Innocence

Henry van der Luyden

1993

In 19th century New York high society, a young lawyer falls in love with a woman separated from her husband, while he is engaged to the woman's cousin.

A Christmas Carol

Mr. Poole

1984

Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and the dire fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Scrooge is faced with his own story of growing bitterness and meanness, and must decide what his own future will hold: death or redemption.

Dracula

Arthur Holmwood

1958

After Jonathan Harker attacks Dracula at his castle, the vampire travels to a nearby city, where he preys on the family of Harker's fiancée. The only one who may be able to protect them is Dr. van Helsing, Harker's friend and fellow-student of vampires, who is determined to destroy Dracula, whatever the cost.

Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland

Teacher #2 (voice)

1989

A little boy whose dreams transcend reality is sucked into his own fantasy, which is everything he has dreamed of, until he unleashes an old secret that may not only destroy this perfect dream world but reality itself.

Venom

David Ball

1981

International terrorists attempt to kidnap a wealthy couple's child. Their plan comes unstuck when a deadly Black Mamba, sent by mistake instead of a harmless snake, escapes and the terrorists and several hostages are trapped in the boy's London home.

The Serpent and the Rainbow

Schoonbacher

1988

A Harvard anthropologist is sent to Haiti to retrieve a strange powder that is said to have the power to bring human beings back from the dead. In his quest to find the miracle drug, the cynical scientist enters the rarely seen netherworld of walking zombies, blood rites and ancient curses. Based on the true life experiences of Wade Davis and filmed on location in Haiti, it's a frightening excursion into black magic and the supernatural.

The Boys from Brazil

Mr. Harrington

1978

Nazi hunter Ezra Lieberman discovers a sinister and bizarre plot to rekindle the Third Reich.

The Horse's Mouth

Abel

1958

Gulley Jimson is a boorish aging artist recently released from prison. A swindler in search of his next art project, he hunkers down in the penthouse of would-be patrons the Beeders while they go on an extended vacation; he paints a mural on their wall, pawns their valuables and, along with the sculptor Abel, inadvertently smashes a large hole in their floor. Jimson's next project is an even larger wall in an abandoned church.

Caravaggio

Cardinal Del Monte

1986

A retelling of the life of the celebrated 17th-century Baroque painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio through his brilliant, nearly blasphemous paintings and his flirtations with the underworld.