John Nolan, the actor known for “The Dark Knight Rises” and the series “Person of Interest,” has died. He was 87 years old.
According to the CinemaDrame news agency, the actor—uncle of Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan—had his passing announced on Saturday through the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald newspaper.
His wife, Kim Hartman, told the publication that her late husband was “a free spirit who always knew what he wanted and lived by his own principles; the only truly creative and original person I have ever known. He was expressive, intelligent, and possessed an anarchic sense of humor, always ready to see both sides of an argument.”
She added: “He was also the kindest human being I have ever known—even animals loved him!” Hartman continued: “John was a beloved and highly capable teacher, whether explaining a Shakespeare monologue or teaching how to swing a golf club, and he was completely devoted to his family.”
John Nolan was born on May 22, 1938, in London and trained at the Drama Centre. He went on to play the male lead in “Romeo and Juliet” at the Richmond Theatre alongside Francesca Annis. He later joined the Royal Court Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His first television appearance came in 1967 in an episode of “The Prisoner.” He later appeared in series such as “Downwatch,” “Shabby Tiger,” “The Water Margin,” “Special Branch,” “General Hospital,” “Crown Court,” “ITV Playhouse,” and “Dune: Prophecy.” He was also widely recognized for his role as former MI6 officer John Greer in “Person of Interest.”
He also appeared in his nephew Christopher Nolan’s debut feature “Following” (1998), and later in “Batman Begins” (2005) and “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), where he played a Wayne Enterprises board member, Frederick, as well as in “Dunkirk” (2017).
John Nolan is survived by his wife, Kim, and their two children.
