Oliver Reed
Oliver Reed lived from 1938 to 1999, a career spanning 43 years. Their work continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
Oliver Reed has spent 43 years building what became a distinguished career as a Actor in British.
Robert Oliver Reed (February 13, 1938 – May 2, 1999) was an English actor known for his "hellraiser" lifestyle. After making his first significant screen appearances in Hammer Horror films in the early 1960s, his notable films include The Trap (1966), playing Bill Sikes in the 1968 Best Picture Oscar winner Oliver! (a film directed by his uncle Carol Reed), Women in Love (1969), Hannibal Brooks (1969), The Devils (1971), portraying Athos in The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Four Musketeers (19
"His powerful and controversial performance as Gerald Crich in Ken Russell's "Women in Love" (1969) is often cited as a career peak." — About Oliver Reed
| Metric | Oliver Reed | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 61 | 53 | +8 yrs |
| Career length | 43 yrs | ~35 yrs | +8 yrs |
| Based on 3888 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Oliver Reed
Did you know that despite his hard-partying public image, Oliver Reed was known to be a private and surprisingly shy individual off-screen?
- He briefly served in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a physical training instructor before his acting career took off.
- He owned a pub in Surrey called "The Dirty Duck" which became a local legend for his impromptu antics and generosity.
- A keen amateur boxer in his youth, this background contributed to his physical presence and tough screen persona.
- His final film, "Gladiator," was released posthumously and dedicated to his memory, earning him widespread acclaim.
- He once challenged Steve McQueen to a drinking contest, a challenge McQueen reportedly declined, citing Reed's legendary capacity.
His powerful and controversial performance as Gerald Crich in Ken Russell's "Women in Love" (1969) is often cited as a career peak. The film, notable for its groundbreaking nude wrestling scene with Alan Bates, showcased Reed's dramatic depth and intensity, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his reputation as a serious actor beyond his Hammer Horror beginnings.
Oliver Reed left an indelible mark on cinema as a charismatic and often volatile presence, remembered for his raw masculinity, fearless performances, and a larger-than-life persona that blurred the lines between actor and character. His legacy endures through his iconic roles and the legendary tales of his uncompromising spirit.