South Shields-born Ron Cook grew up in Coventry where he finished his A-levels with a "vague idea of being a teacher". A comment by his headmaster - "There's one time when you really come alive and that's on stage" resulted in him taking a different career path, however. Having studied theatre at college Ron landed his first job playing the front end of a horse in Aladdin - and he's been working ever since.
© Dan Wooller/ShutterstockActing Career
His first TV appearance, in 1975's Ballet Shoes, was followed by numerous bit parts and a 1983 role in Black Adder. Other notable TV credits include Sharpe, The Singing Detective, Silent Witness, Hornblower, Funland, Little Dorrit, The Diary Of Anne Frank and Doctor Who: The Idiot's Lantern. An established theatre actor, he's also worked with the RSC, the Royal Court and the National Theatre. He received a Laurence Olivier award nod and at one time was so busy in the theatre he was unable to take up any TV offers. Ron's numerous film credits include Chocolat, Charlotte Gray, The Merchant Of Venice and Hot Fuzz.
