David Schofield

David Schofield is a veteran English actor whose career spans five decades, beginning with his professional debut in 1972 after an intensive apprenticeship in Manchester’s repertory theatre. Born on 16 December 1951 in Wythenshawe, Manchester, he was one of ten children in a working‑class family and attended St. John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School before gaining early stage experience at the Manchester Boys' School at age twelve. In 1967 he entered the local repertory as a student assistant stage manager, performing duties from prop‑making to tea‑serving, and by nineteen he was accepted to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, which he left early to pursue acting work. Schofield quickly built a diverse portfolio, appearing in television series such as Band of Gold, Footballers’ Wives and Holby City, and delivering memorable film performances as the paranoid darts player in An American Werewolf in London (1981) and as the ruthless mercenary Ian Mercer in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) and At World’s End (2007). His supporting roles in epic productions like Gladiator (2000), From Hell (2001), Valkyrie (2008) and The Wolfman (2010) showcased his versatility, while his portrayal of historical figures such as Erwin von Witzleben added gravitas to period pieces. On stage, Schofield has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Exchange, originating the role of John Merrick in The Elephant Man (1977) and appearing in acclaimed productions of Angels in America (1993) and Measure for Measure (1983). Radio work includes playing Javert in the BBC adaptation of Les Misérables and a long‑running role as Frank Twist in Brief Lives. Off‑screen, he is married to Lally Percy, with whom he has two children, Fred and Blanche, and he serves as a patron of the Gesar Foundation, reflecting his commitment to charitable causes.