John Sessions

Actor and comedian known for his various roles on film, TV and stage. He was born in Largs, Scotland, in 1953. He has an older brother and a twin sister. His debut film was _The Sender (1982)_ (qv), a horror feature in which he played a patient. His next film was _The Bounty (1984)_ (qv) with 'Mel Gibson' (qv) and 'Anthony Hopkins' (qv). He has also appeared in _Henry V (1989)_ (qv) and _A Midwinter's Tale (1995)_ (qv), both directed by 'Kenneth Branagh' (qv), his friend and frequent collaborator. The two met at RADA in 1979. He continues to appear in _Stella Street (1997)_ (qv) in which he plays a variety of middle-aged actors, alongside 'Phil Cornwell' (qv). One of his most memorable performances to date is the role of Dr. Prunesquallor in _Gormenghast (2000)_ (qv), the BBC's lavish production of 'Mervyn Peake' (qv)'s novels "Titus Groan" and "Gormenghast." Onstage, he has appeared in many productions and performed numerous one-man shows. His ability to improvise landed him a spot as the first regular contestant on _Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1988)_ (qv). It was here that he showcased his great literary knowledge. He appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show "Dead Man Talking," as various "dead" characters, including 'J. Robert Oppenheimer' (qv) and 'Michelangelo' (qv).::M.H.