"I'm often given parts that aren't as big as they are colourful, but people remember them. When it's a minor or supporting role, you learn to make the most of what you're given. I can make two lines seem like Hamlet."
Denholm Mitchell Elliott CBE (31 May 1922 – 6 October 1992) was an English character actor.
He is probably best remembered for his role as Marcus Brody in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He won three BAFTAs in a row for Trading Places, A Private Function and Defence of the Realm.
Filmography on TV Tropes:
Film roles
- The Cruel Sea (1953) as Sub-Lieutenant John Morell
- Alfie (1966) as the Abortionist
- The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970) as Peter Niss
- The House That Dripped Blood (1971) as Charles Hillyer
- Vault of Horror (1973) as Diltant
- A Doll's House (1973) as Krogstad
- The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974) as Friar
- Robin and Marian (1976) as Will Scarlet
- A Bridge Too Far (1977) as the RAF Meteorology Officer
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1978) as Stapleton
- The Boys from Brazil (1978) as Sidney Beyond
- Watership Down (1978) as Cowslip (voice)
- Bad Timing (1980) as Stefan Vognic
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) as Dr. Marcus Brody
- Trading Places (1983) as Coleman
- The Razor's Edge (1984) as Elliott Templeton
- A Room with a View (1985) as Mr. Emerson
- Defence of the Realm (1986) as Vernon Bayliss
- September (1987) as Howard
- Maurice (1987) as Dr. Barry
- Stealing Heaven (1988) as Fulbert
- Toy Soldiers (1991) as Headmaster Dr. Robert Gould
- Noises Off (1992) as Selsdon Mowbray
Television roles
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1958–59) as John Manbridge/Jack Lyons (2 episodes)
- Danger Man (1965) as Basil Jordan (1 episode)
- The Persuaders! (1972) as Roland (1 episode)
- Ripping Yarns (1977) as Mr. Gregory (1 episode)
- Hammer House of Horror (1980) as Norman Shenley (1 episode)
- Bleak House (1985) as John Jarndyce (7 episodes)
- Bangkok Hilton (1989) as Hal Stanton (miniseries)
Tropes:
- The Character Died with Him: Marcus Brody's death is acknowledged in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in the form of a commemorative statue.
- Gentleman Snarker: A few of his characters were the image of upper-class manners but still had an exceptionally sharp wit.
- Large Ham: Not in the BRIAN BLESSED sense, but Elliott had a talent for pulling extremely expressive faces that would draw the attention of the audience. On both the British stage and in British cinema, it was often warned of lead actors to "Never act with children, dogs, or Denholm Elliott" because of his scene stealing.
