Ian Ogilvy

Ian Raymond Ogilvy (born 30 September 1943 in Woking, Surrey) is an English actor, playwright and novelist whose career has spanned more than six decades. Educated at Sunningdale School, Eton College and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he entered professional theatre in the late 1950s and quickly earned a reputation for versatility on both West End and Broadway stages. Ogilvy gained international fame as Simon Templar in the ITV series Return of the Saint (1978‑1979), stepping into the iconic role after Roger Moore and prompting speculation that he might become the next James Bond during the early 1980s. Although the Bond role ultimately went to other actors, Ogilvy’s suave presence landed him numerous guest spots in American and British television, including The Avengers, Upstairs, Downstairs, Murder, She Wrote, Babylon 5 and Dharma & Greg, as well as a memorable appearance in a 1990s North‑American Bond‑style commercial campaign. His film work ranges from the gothic horror classic Witchfinder General (1968) alongside Vincent Price to modern comedies such as Death Becomes Her (1992) with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, and the heartfelt drama My Life in Ruins (2009) with Nia Vardalos. Beyond acting, Ogilvy has authored the Measle children’s series, two adult novels (Loose Chippings and The Polkerton Giant), and several stage plays, and he released a memoir titled Once a Saint in 2016. A naturalised U.S. citizen, he continues to write, perform and lend his voice to audio productions, maintaining a vibrant presence in both the United Kingdom and America.