Donald Henry Pleasence
- Born:
- October 5, 1919, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England
- Died:
- February 2, 1995, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Alpes-Maritimes, France
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor
Early Life and Education
- Served as a wireless operator and gunner in the Royal Air Force during World War II; was shot down and held as a prisoner of war.
- Began his acting career in repertory theatre.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established himself as a versatile character actor in theatre, television, and film.
- Gained international recognition for his role as Dr. Sam Loomis in John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) and its sequels.
- Starred in numerous films spanning multiple genres, including science fiction, horror, and thrillers.
- Worked extensively in television, appearing in series such as The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The Outer Limits.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selection)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | The Great Escape | Colin Blythe "The Forger" |
| 1966 | Fantastic Voyage | Dr. Michaels |
| 1967 | You Only Live Twice | Ernst Stavro Blofeld |
| 1978 | Halloween | Dr. Sam Loomis |
| 1981 | Escape from New York | President of the United States |
| 1988 | Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers | Dr. Sam Loomis |
Legacy and Impact
Donald Pleasence left an enduring legacy as a prolific and highly respected character actor. While theunis crous biography of donald may explore specific aspects of his career in more depth, Pleasence is widely remembered for his distinctive voice, intense performances, and his indelible contribution to the horror genre, particularly his portrayal of Dr. Loomis in the Halloween franchise.