William Gaunt

Born on April 3, 1937, in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, William Charles Anthony Gaunt, the son of a solicitor, initially considered careers in geology or anthropology. However, his path led him to the theatre. He pursued drama studies at Baylor University in Texas, completed a two-year stint in the army, and then trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early career involved repertory stage work, with one of his first notable roles being Mortimer Brewster in ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ at the Salisbury Playhouse in 1961.

Gaunt’s television career gained momentum with a recurring role as Bob Marriott, a methodical sidekick, in the crime series ‘Sergeant Cork,’ which aired from 1963 to 1968. He went on to achieve cult status as Richard Barrett, a code-breaker with enhanced physical and mental abilities, in the supernatural adventure series ‘The Champions’ from 1968 to 1969. In the late 1970s, he broadened his theatrical expertise by serving as artistic director of the Liverpool Playhouse, directing several plays for repertory companies and in the West End. His stage work includes multiple seasons with the National Theatre and major roles such as Big Daddy in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ (2006) and Sorin in ‘The Seagull’ (2007-2008).

Throughout his career, Gaunt balanced television and stage commitments. He starred in the miniseries ‘The Challengers’ (1972) and found further recognition in sitcoms, playing a stressed father in ‘No Place Like Home’ (1983-1987) and a husband faced with guardianship of orphaned grandchildren in ‘Next of Kin’ (1995-1997). His diverse roles also include Charles Hurst QC in ‘Crown Court,’ solicitor Edward Capstick in ‘Capstick’s Law,’ and a warrior knight in ‘Doctor Who’s’ 22nd season. More recently, in 2021, he portrayed Duncan in ‘Macbeth’ at the Almeida Theatre, a performance later filmed and screened by BBC4 in 2023.